Description
A bronze medal commemorating what would have been the 90th birthday of Viktor Balck, original member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the "father of Swedish sports" in 1934. I would say that it was in very fine (VF) condition or better, but please take a good look at my photos and be your own judge.
Made from Bronze, Diameter 40 mm, Weight 29.8 grams. Made by Westins of Stockholm.
The obverse design has a bust of Balck facing left. Around the periphery is the legend "VIKTOR BALCK / UPPBEGGARE AV SVENSK IDROTT" (Victor Balck / Builder of Swedish Sport). The medallist's signature, which I am struggling to decipher, is under Balck's head. The central part of the reverse is plain. This is surrounded by the legend "SVENSK IDROTTSFÖRBUNDET / FRIIDROTTSDAGEN / 1934" (Swedish Sports Federation / Athletics Day / 1934). The medallists' details are in small script at the base.
Another example of this medal can be seen as part of lot #1 in the catalog for Ingrid O'Neil's auction 69 from September 2012 (photo is on page C1). This lot requires an opening bid of $55,000! While this is almost certainly the least rare of the three medals in that lot, I believe it to be scarce at the very least and probably quite rare.
Information on the life of Viktor Balck (1844-1928) can be found on Wikipedia. In 1894 he became one of the original members of the IOC and was also one of the leading figures behind the Nordic Games, precursor of the Winter Olympics, which began in 1901. He was a prominent member of the organising committee of the Stockholm Olympics in 1912.
Shipping is by tracked mail (Royal Mail International Signed-For, or Special Delivery in the UK). All my medals are guaranteed genuine. Please see also my Olympic Participation and other sports Medals in my eBay shop. If you purchase more than one of these you only need to pay the shipping costs for a single item.
We aim to dispatch within one working day of receiving your payment. Please check out my feedback ratings or contact me if you have any doubts.
