GERMANY. J. P. Blanchard Balloon Ascent at Breslau Silver Medal, 1789. NGC MS-63.
Kaiser-11.1; Joos-a.14. By A. F. König. Diameter: 27.5mm. Obverse: Bust of Blanchard facing left, perimeter legend LUFTSCHIFFER M. BLANCHARD to left and right; Reverse: Balloon aloft above viewing stands and Breslau cityscape in the background; figure in balloon waving flag at right, clouds in the background; perimeter legend LUFTREISE ZU BRESLAU above, date 1789 in exergue below. French balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard successfully conducted flights in Paris and London in 1784, the English Channel the next year, and then went on a tour of Europe conducting "first flights" in a number of countries. On 27 May 1789 he made an ascent over Breslau (Wroclaw) in a flight that lasted over four hours. This example offers satiny luster on lovely argent surfaces with hints of champagne and cerulean gracing the fields. This medal is an absolutely superior state of preservation with great eye appeal and rarity - particularly in this grade. Very desirable.
Margolis had a few rather overt interests in his collecting of medallic art. One such theme was that of medals pertaining to man's earliest pursuits to conquer the heavens in the form of ballooning. The European exploits of the late 18th century are contained here across many different country categories. Also quite noticeable was his interest in the medallic art of Jewish engravers, such as Jakob Abraham and his son, Abraham Abramson, among numerous others. Across this selection of medals, these themes and topics will become obvious, adding further dimensions to the already intense focus with which Margolis pursued his collecting.
From the Richard Margolis Collection.

Estimate: $800.00 - $1200.00