1924 "Old Oregon Trail" Plaque. Uniface. By Avard Fairbanks. Bronze, Cast. Essentially As Made.
9.75 inches. Mounted to a professionally finished wooden base that measures approximately 11.5 inches x 15 inches x 0.75 inches. There is a small indentation in the top back of the base, as made, with a toothed metal hanger for wall mounting and display. The design of the plaque features a pioneer mother and child in a covered wagon with her husband driving oxen over a rocky trail. The name of the artwork, OLD / OREGON / TRAIL, is inscribed within the rocky trail below the wagon and oxen. Dated and "signed" by the artist (copyright) 1924 AVARD FAIRBANKS along lower border, divided by a cow's skull. The design of this plaque dates to Fairbanks' tenure as a faculty member at the University of Oregon. Six large-size versions of this plaque were made to mark the route of the Oregon Trail from its start in Independence, Missouri, to its end in Oregon. In 2016, one of these large, 200-pound plaques was put on display at the Truman Courthouse in Independence. The bas-relief panels that Fairbanks created circa 1925-1926 for the large doors of the United States National Bank Building in Portland presumably feature the same design. This is the first example of this design type that we can recall offering. It holds particular appeal for an Oregon Trail Memorial half dollar enthusiast, who will surely find it a prized go with in a collection of classic commemorative coinage.Due to the size and nature of this lot, additional shipping charges apply. Please call 800-458-4646 for more information.

Estimate: $1500