Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Artwork under copyright: Artwork © Armand Bonnetain.
1939 New York World's Fair Belgian Participation Medal
Artifact IDMO 1947.84.26
Object Type
Medal, Commemorative
Artist
Armand Bonnetain
(Belgian sculptor and medalist, 1883 - 1973)
Maker
J. Fonson et Cie
(Belgian manufacturer, founded 1827)
Dateca. 1939
Mediummedal: metal (bronze)
box: paper (cardboard), fabric, ink
box: paper (cardboard), fabric, ink
Dimensionsobject (medal) D 1/8 in x Diam 2 3/8 in (0.3 cm x 6 cm )
box/case D 1/2 in x Diam 2 3/4 in (1.3 cm x 7 cm )
box/case D 1/2 in x Diam 2 3/4 in (1.3 cm x 7 cm )
Physical Descriptiona) A round, bronze medal commemorating Belgium’s participation in the 1939 New York World's Fair.
OBVERSE: A left-facing relief profile of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s head with his name curved below the portrait: "F•D • ROOSEVELT.” The artist’s name is in the lower right of the profile: "A. BONNETAIN."
REVERSE: Low relief text reads: "SOUVENIR OF THE BELGIAN PARTICIPATION TO THE NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR 1939."
The manufacturer's information is stamped along the medal’s perimeter edge: "J. FONSON."
b) The medal is stored in a round, two-piece maroon, white, and gold cardboard box lined with white fabric on the inside. On the underside of the box is the manufacturer's name on a gold seal: "J. Fonson / Medalles d’Art.” Also on the underside of the box is the stamped message: "PRINTED IN BELGIUM."
Historical NoteThe 1939 New York World's Fair, located in Flushing Meadows, New York, opened on April 30, 1939 and closed on October 27, 1940. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the opening speech in person which was televised throughout the Fair. His address was the first time that a president appeared on television.OBVERSE: A left-facing relief profile of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s head with his name curved below the portrait: "F•D • ROOSEVELT.” The artist’s name is in the lower right of the profile: "A. BONNETAIN."
REVERSE: Low relief text reads: "SOUVENIR OF THE BELGIAN PARTICIPATION TO THE NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR 1939."
The manufacturer's information is stamped along the medal’s perimeter edge: "J. FONSON."
b) The medal is stored in a round, two-piece maroon, white, and gold cardboard box lined with white fabric on the inside. On the underside of the box is the manufacturer's name on a gold seal: "J. Fonson / Medalles d’Art.” Also on the underside of the box is the stamped message: "PRINTED IN BELGIUM."
This medal, in addition to commemorating Belgium's participation in the New York World's Fair, honors FDR.Additional Details
Custodial History NotePresented to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Eleanor Roosevelt on February 10, 1947.
Credit LineGift of Eleanor 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© Armand Bonnetain.
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Not on view