1939 NYWF Czech Medal Gilt Bronze in Original Box w Pavilion Souvenir Bag MS65 For Sale

1939 Czechoslovakian Commemorative Medal in Gilt Bronze, Complete with Presentation Box and Souvenir Czech Pavilion Bag New York World’s Fair of 1939
On offer is a scarce and exceptionally well struck and well preserved 1939 Czecho-Slovak Pavilion commemorative medal issued on March 15th, 1939. Struck in gilt bronze by the renowned Medallic Art Co. of New York (1903-1972), and bearing their characteristic maker's stamp "MEDALLIC ART CO. N.Y." along the edge. This medal was issued to raise money for the Czech Pavilion at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. On March 15th, 1939, before the Fair even opened, Nazi Germany had invaded and occupied Czechoslovakia. Despite orders from the puppet government in Prague to dismantle or abandon the pavilion, the U.S. government refused to recognize the Nazi occupation. With support from New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia and local volunteers, the Czecho-Slovak Pavilion opened independently one month late, on May 31, 1939, as an "orphan pavilion" representing a free nation. The Czecho-Slovak pavilion did not reopen for the 1940 season of the Fair - the sovereign state of Czechoslovakia was legally dismantled following the occupation.

Created by Czech-American sculptor Mario Korbel (born March 22, 1882, in Osík, Bohemia; died March 31, 1954, in Manhattan, New York City). Korbel was a renowned academician and member of the National Sculpture Society whose classical works span monumental cemetery statuary, elegant figurative bronzes, and medallic art. This historic piece survives in pristine, untouched condition, retaining its radiant original fire and brilliant flash without any cleaning, polishing, or chemical intervention. The Obverse features a deeply symbolic extremely high-relief design depicting monumental allegorical figures of a man chained to two pillars with swastikas and snakes, being embraced by a woman with baby and child. The background features architectural landmarks of Prague: the iconic Charles Bridge (Karlův most) and Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), alongside the silhouette of St. Vitus Cathedral rising within the castle complex. The composition is anchored by the resolute national motto “PRAVDA ZVÍTĒZI,” (Truth Prevails) along with “ CZECHOSLOVAKIA SHALL BE FREE AGAIN” at the lower perimeter. The Reverse is the Czechoslovakian coat of arms with the date March 15, 1939 and the Latin inscription “REPUBLIKA CESKOSLOVENSKA”

What elevates this offering is its completely intact, survivor-state packaging provenance. The medal is housed within its original manufacturer-stamped presentation box, which in turn is accompanied by a rare, original Czecho-Slovak Pavilion souvenir bag of purchase. The pavilion was not reopened for 1940 so the bag is indeed 1939. Preserved entirely as-issued from the 1939 Flushing Meadows exposition, this complete assembly offers collectors a rare, untouched benchmark example of pre-war Czechoslovakian national representation at the New York World's Fair of 1939.

Medal measures 38 mm in diameter, 3.4 mm thick, with an approximate weight of 24.64 g. Milled, struck with medal alignment, extreme high relief. Gilt bronze as noted.

Medal grades Brilliant Matte Mint State-65/65 to my eye. Exceptionally clean surfaces, untouched matte finish with a strong, fine strike displaying details some examples do not. Sharp, with zero signs of friction, rub or wiping, with fields free of any distracting marks or hits. These medals are usually seen in low relief mixed metal (often worn, some with corrosion) and in plain bronze. The gilt bronze and sterling silver flashed bronze (especially) are encountered less frequently, especially in the higher grades. The box and lid are not damaged at any of the corners as often seen; the cotton is original. The souvenir bag from the Czecho-Slovak pavilion is in Very Good+ condition - it is 87 years old. Not brittle. I have never seen another. This presentation is complete and very strong with superb eye appeal.

This medal will be shipped in a separate container as will be the box. Shipping the medal inside the box would damage the box.

Any and all questions will be answered.
Please see my other sales for additional unusual material, 1939/40 NYWF items and other interesting things. Listings will appear more often as time permits.