Object Details
Manufacturer
Medallic Art Company, founded 1903
Designer
Norman Bel Geddes, American, 1893–1958
Modeler
René Paul Chambellan, American, 1893–1955
Description
Circular form. Obverse depicts an eight-wheeled Art Deco Streamlined-style auto (Bel Geddes’ Motor Car No. 9) as it speeds to the right; a large upright wing towering over it (Motor Car No.9 featured a vertical stabilizer, or rudder, in its tail, like an airplane.) The smooth field is broken by two recessed rim segments at top right and lower left bearing the raised-letter legend: to the advancement of – motor transportation. Signed below car: NORMAN BEL GEDDES ©1933.
Reverse is divided vertically by a stylized automotive engine piston design, and laurel wreath above. Small incuse dates 1908 – 1933 around the rim diagonally from bottom right to top left; recessed rim segments bearing the two concentric-line legend: commemorating/ the twentyfifth – anniversary of/ general motors.
Credit Line
Gift of George R. Kravis II
Date
1933
Accession Number
2018-22-27
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
numismatics
Decorative Arts
Object Name
medal
Type
medal
Medium
silver-plated brass
Dimensions
H x diam.: ? x 7.6 cm (3 in.)
manufactured in
New York, NY, USA
See more items in
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Collection
Product Design and Decorative Arts Department
Data Source
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
chndm_2018-22-27