This is an advance order. We will print only what is ordered and perhaps a very few more. We expect to ship them in early February.
This is an archival reproduction of a reprint from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing of a wonderful certificate that was created for winners of the many different categories of innovation at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
To clarify, we are not offering an engraved print. I purchased a later engraving that the BEP did and we are reproducing that.
I first saw one in the American Precision Museum in New Hampshire more than ten years ago and have been looking for one to purchase ever since. (I don’t recall for sure, but I believe that the museum’s certificate was for a lathe.) I finally found one that was a reprint by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and that's the one that we're using to create archival prints.
The certificate has fabulous images beautifully engraved, including Lady Liberty reclining on a docile (?) bison. In the background, the Exposition. Below them, Columbus in a gondola with individuals representing different peoples of the world. The columns on either side are wrapped with banners with the names of the participating countries.
More on the Exposition and the awards
The World's Columbian Exposition was a huge event that attracted 27 million attendees over its six month run.
And it showcased the latest innovations. According to South Dakota State University, "fair attendees were introduced to elevators, zippers, the Ferris wheel, a mechanical dishwasher, chili hot dogs, Cracker Jacks, and brownies. The fair popularized the use of electricity electrical lighting and electrical devices.”
The University, which has a certificate in its collection, explains . . .
"Charles H. Bruce from Yankton entered his Blue Stem Wheat and was given a Specific Medal of Merit. The certificate accompanying the medal reads '…to C. Bruce, Yankton, South Dakota. Exhibit: Blue Stem Wheat. Award for Excellence of a Spring Wheat, Which Yields 40 bushels per acre. Weight 60 pounds per Bushel.’”
And here's another, this one from Wikipedia. The image of the complete certificate reads . . .
“A. & F. Gallardo, San Jose
Costa Rica
Exhibit: Coffee
Award
For educational interest of a collection of coffee represented in all its different stages. Also for the excellence of the product."
The things we offer in The History List Store are things I like and that I have a strong sense many others will like.
Every now and then we offer something that I really like even though I don't expect that many others will be interested. This is one of those. And because we’re unlikely to have sufficient sustained demand to stock this past the initial run, if you’re interested in one of these fabulous certificates, you’ll want to order it now.
— Lee Wright | Founder
P.S. If you’ve never fallen down the “precision machining changed the world—and I’d never given it any thought” rabbit hole, it’s worth exploring, and after you read a bit you’ll realize why there is such a thing as the American Precision Museum.
Size: 19" x 24.75"