World’s Columbian Exposition Secretary Howard O. Edmonds’ Presentation Set Sells for $21,600

Heritage Auctions offered a rare Columbian Exposition presentation set at their August 2019 “ANA World’s Fair of Money US Coins Signature Auction.” The group consisting of a medal, pin and two ribbons that had once belonged to Howard O. Edmonds, secretary of the Exposition, sold for $21,600. The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) had certified the medal set in the spring of 2019.

The officer medal is one of four types designed by artist Elihu Vedder. Bronze “designers medals” were presented to the architects of the Fair on Dedication Day (October 21, 1892), silver “directors medals” went to members of the Board of Directors, and brass “makers medals” went to the Exposition department chiefs. The officer medals were struck by Gorham in 22 carat gold and weigh 6.8 ounces. The obverse of each medal features the image of Civilization riding on a winged car, holding a cornucopia and facing a setting sun. The reverse inscription of Edmonds’ medal reads: “To Howard Owen Edmonds with gratitude for and in recognition of efficient service as secretary of the World’s Columbian Exposition Chicago 1893 and as a token of the friendship and esteem of its President Harlow N. Higinbotham.” The items had remained in the Edmonds family until 2010.

The lot also included a round lapel pin made of 14K gold that reads “WORLD’S / COLUMBIAN / SECRETARY / EXPOSITION” in blue letters; a red-and-yellow ribbon that reads “SECRETARY / EXPOSITION” with an 18K gold eagle; and a smaller a red-and-yellow ribbon with a double-bar copper hanger and attached medal commemorating Dedication Day on October 21, 1892.

Howard Owen Edmonds (1867-1937) was one of the youngest officers on the Executive Board of the World’s Columbian Exposition Commission. After serving as Secretary of the Fair, Edmonds worked for Cyrus McCormick and became vice-president of the Northern Trust Company in Chicago.