140,000.00грн. 135,000.00грн.

Medal issued for the Paris 1900 Summer Olympics. Silver, 42 mm x 60 mm, 55 gm, by Frederic Vernon, Paris. An Exceptional Piece of Olympic History: The Controversial 1900 Paris Olympic Games Silver Winner's Plaque for Live Pigeon Shooting (Concours de Tir aux Pigeons).
Up for auction is a magnificent and historical solid silver winner's medal (plaque) from the II Summer Olympic Games, held in conjunction with the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. Designed by the renowned French master Frederic-Charles-Victor de Vernon, this piece represents one of the most famous, debated, and rarest chapters in Olympic history.
🌟 Historical Significance: Live Pigeon Shooting
The 1900 Paris Games were the only Olympics in history where live animals were used as targets. The Concours de tir aux pigeons event is notoriously famous: over 300 live birds were shot during the competition, sparking massive public outcry. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) subsequently banned live targets forever, replacing them with clay pigeons. Because of this scandal, and the extremely limited number of participants, awards from this specific discipline are among the most sought-after and elusive trophies for Olympic collectors worldwide.
🔍 Item Specifications & Design:
Event: 1900 Paris Olympic Games / Exposition Universelle
Discipline: Concours de tir aux pigeons (Live Pigeon Shooting)
Artist: Frédéric-Charles-Victor de Vernon (signed “VERNON” on the obverse)
Material: Solid Silver (Features the official “Argent” / “Argentum” hallmark stamp on the edge along with the Paris Mint cornucopia, confirming this is the premium silver version, NOT the silvered bronze variant).
Dimensions: Approx. 60 mm x 42 mm
Weight: Approx. 53–57 grams (exact weight can be provided upon request)
🎨 Design Details:
Obverse: A winged goddess of Victory (Nike) flying over the city of Paris, scattering laurel branches over the exhibition grounds. Inscribed: “REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE”, “PARIS 1900”, “EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE”.
Reverse: A victorious nude athlete standing on a podium, holding a laurel branch high, with the Acropolis of Athens in the background. Inscribed in the cartouche below: “CONCOURS DE TIR AUX PIGEONS”.
📈 Condition Report:
The plaque is in excellent vintage condition with a wonderful, authentic uncleaned patina. The relief remains sharp and crisp with minor, honest age-related wear, light handling marks, and faint scratches consistent with its 126-year history. No severe edge dings, deep gouges, or modifications. Please inspect the high-resolution photos carefully to judge the condition for yourself.
📦 Shipping & Terms:
100% Guaranteed Authentic historical piece.
Worldwide secure shipping with a fully tracked and insured express courier.
The item will be professionally packed to ensure maximum protection during transit.