Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
1932 Olympic Winter Games Participation Medal
Artifact IDMO 1941.41.141
Object Type
Medal, Commemorative
Maker
The Robbins Company
(American jewelry, badge, and medal manufacturer, founded 1892)
Date1932
Mediummetal (bronze)
Dimensionsoverall H 2 3/8 in x W 1 7/8 in x D 1/4 in (6 cm x 4.8 cm x 0.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionAn oblong-shaped bronze participation medal issued for the 1932 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid, New York.
OBVERSE: A relief image of the winged female figure of Fame standing against a background of trees and mountains. She is sounding a long trumpet which she holds in her right hand, and in her left hand is a lit torch. The Olympic rings symbol is above her.
REVERSE: A semi-circle of six shields in relief against a laurel wreath background. Each shield holds an image of a winter sport (ice hockey, figure skating, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, speed skating, and bobsledding). In the lower section of the medal, against a mountain background, are images of curling and a dog sled. Inscribed at the center of the medal is text that reads: III / OLYMPIC / WINTER / GAMES / LAKE PLACID / 1932.
The maker's mark is stamped into the top edge: ROBBINS CO / ATTLEBORO.
Historical NoteThe 1932 Winter Olympics, officially known as the III Olympic Winter Games, took place in Lake Placid, New York from February 4-15, 1932. On February 4, 1932, Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt formally opened the Olympics in Lake Placid.OBVERSE: A relief image of the winged female figure of Fame standing against a background of trees and mountains. She is sounding a long trumpet which she holds in her right hand, and in her left hand is a lit torch. The Olympic rings symbol is above her.
REVERSE: A semi-circle of six shields in relief against a laurel wreath background. Each shield holds an image of a winter sport (ice hockey, figure skating, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, speed skating, and bobsledding). In the lower section of the medal, against a mountain background, are images of curling and a dog sled. Inscribed at the center of the medal is text that reads: III / OLYMPIC / WINTER / GAMES / LAKE PLACID / 1932.
The maker's mark is stamped into the top edge: ROBBINS CO / ATTLEBORO.
This medal, one of 700 medals struck to commemorate participation in the games, was sent to FDR on March 12, 1932 by Ernest Gamache, Executive Secretary of the New York State Olympic Winter Games Commission.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyCopyright© International Olympic Committee (IOC), 1932.
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions.In Collection(s)
Not on view