The History List

World’s Columbian Exposition Award Certificate — 1893 — Archival print

Name: World’s Columbian Exposition Award Certificate — 1893 — Archival print
Brand: The History List
SKU: PRINT-COLUMBIAN-EXPO-CERT
Price: 69.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Quantity

$ 69.95

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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.

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"

Shipping

Key dates for the 2024 holiday shopping season

December 13 at 2 pm Eastern: Our recommended deadline for domestic Christmas delivery via USPS. While we can't guarantee delivery, regardless of carrier, our hope is that if you order by December 13, USPS will have be able to get orders to domestic addresses by Christmas. This date is more conservative than the date published by USPS. We want to be sure that everyone gets their gift in time. Important: Does not include personalized items, signed books, or Rare Finds. See below for more information on these.
December 19 at 2 pm Eastern: Orders for in-stock items received by 2 pm Eastern Thursday through Friday will ship the same day if you specify UPS 3 Day Select delivery. Important: Does not include personalized items, signed books, or Rare Finds. See below for more information on these.
December 23 at noon: The last day to ship orders before Christmas. If you want to have something shipped overnight, call Lee Wright at 469-233-7712 by noon Eastern to find out whether that's possible and the shipping charge.
Fulfillment will be closed from December 24 through January 1.

For personalized items, signed books, or Rare Finds purchased after December 13

If you purchase a personalized item, signed book, or Rare Find item after December 13 and want it delivered by Christmas, contact Lee Wright as soon as you make your purchase to see what the options are. (If it turns out that it won't get to you or the gift recipient by Christmas, we will give you an immediate refund and will also recommend alternative gifts.)

For shipments to addresses within the U.S. (scroll down for International shipping)

Flat-rate shipping: Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, and button packs is $5.95.

For hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets, the shipping cost is $8.95.

Our flat rate shipping means you can add two or more t-shirts, sweatshirts, or caps for no additional shipping charge.

Note that some large or heavy items, including larger framed prints, may have a different shipping charge or a shipping surcharge. When they do, it will be noted on the product page.

Timing

We try to ship orders within three business days of receiving them. This applies to in-stock items. Framed items or items requiring personalization may take up to two weeks longer. If there is an extended delay, it will be noted on the product page.

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We ship most orders via USPS, so if the post office is closed, we won't be shipping orders that day.

If you need to receive your order by a certain date, such as to give as a gift or have for a trip, we recommend ordering at least two weeks in advance, especially if you are using USPS shipping.

If you're looking for reliable, on-time deliveries, we strongly suggest upgrading to "UPS 3 Business Day Select Shipping."

Additional notes:

When fulfillment takes longer, such as around the Christmas holidays, we'll put up an announcement in the site and will list recommended shipping deadlines below.
If an item is out of stock, we will contact you.
If one of your items is an advance order, that will be noted on the product page along with an estimate of when it will ship. If that estimated date changes, the product page will be updated.

Charges for shipping to destinations in the United States and to APO, DPO, and FPO addresses

Free shipping

On stickers, magnets, decals, patches, static clings, and individual button pins.

US Postal Service shipping - The least expensive, though also less reliable than UPS. (See more on UPS in the next section.)

$5.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.

Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price is still fixed at $5.95. Our flat rate shipping means you can add another t-shirt, cap, or book for no additional shipping charge.

$8.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.

We strongly recommend using UPS, especially in November and December.

UPS 3 Business Day Select

Note: UPS 3 Business Day select is not available for addresses in Hawaii and Alaska. If UPS is selected for Hawaii or Alaska, the order will be shipped UPS Ground.

Cut off time: Orders received by 8 am Eastern will ship the same business day. Orders received after that time will ship the next business day. Applies to in-stock items that do not require personalization or signing.

UPS's normal (non-holiday) delivery guarantee is by the end of the third business day, and this includes delivery on Saturday. This applies to the 48 contiguous states.

$14.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.
$18.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.

UPS Overnight (Next Business Day Delivery)

Before placing your order, call 469-233-7712.

For shipments to addresses outside the United States

Destinations

We only ship to locations that are served by US Postal Service International Service.

Charges

Canada and Mexico

Rate starts at $40.00 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs, hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.

Rest of the World

Rates starts at $65.00.

Additional charges for all destinations

Some large, heavy items may have an additional shipping charge. If that's the case, it will be noted on the product page.

If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.

All original designs are copyrighted by The History List

All designs are copyrighted by The History List and the History Nerd text and design on t-shirts is a registered trademark. If you see a knock off, please let me know.