GERMANY. Weimar Republic. Octet of Agricultural Silver Medals (8 Pieces), ND (ca. 1925-32). Grade Range: CHOICE ALMOST UNCIRCULATED to CHOICE UNCIRCULATED.
This group features a mix of 0.990 fine silver bird show medals, four of which measure 43mm, and four of which measure 35mm. Most feature contemporary engraving on their reverses indicating the location and date of the bird show. All are highly lustrous with charming golden toning and some subtle rainbow iridescence near the peripheries and devices. Great animal types with solid resale value. The practice of breeding and keeping birds--known as aviculture--has been a long-standing hobby of bird enthusiasts, with the Avicultural Society of America being founded in 1927. In Europe, however, the organized practice dates back even further, with numerous local and regional clubs--especially in Germany--dedicated to the pursuit in the 19th century. Similar to kennel clubs, these groups would organize competitions in which a participant's flock could be judged against their peers, with the top finishers receiving prize medals for their bird(s). These medals were sometimes struck in different metals in order to distinguish placement, while other times the ranking may be indicated in the text. To add a further degree of personalization, some were engraved in order to convey the specific chapter which hosted the competition and/or the recipient of the prize. These medals also presented their designer with an excellent chance to showcase their avian artistry, as few aspects of numismatics display birds as the prime subject and in such detail.
Estimate: $100.00- $200.00