GERMANY. J. P. Blanchard Balloon Flight over Frankfurt White Metal Medal, 1785. NGC MS-61.Joos-a.8; J&F-910. By Johann Matthäus Reich. Diameter: 46mm. Obverse: Bust of Blanchard facing left, perimeter legend BLANCHARD SURSUM DECIMUM QUINTUM FACIENS ITER. above, FRANCOFURTI / D . 3 . OCTO. below the bust; signature REICH in truncation of shoulder; Reverse: Manned balloon, with anchors and flags, aloft over the cityscape of Frankfurt; perimeter legend GALLIA SAEPIUS PLAUSIT . IAM GERMANIA PLAUDE: above, MDCCLXXXV. in exergue below. Small copper plug as issued.<p>French balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard successfully conducted flights in Paris and London in 1784, the English Channel the next year, and then went on a tour of Europe conducting "first flights" in a number of countries. Blanchard conducted the first manned balloon flight in Germany on 3 October 1785 at Frankfurt.<p>This medal offers lustrous surfaces of white argent with a thin hue of gunmetal providing the barest of blue tint. Delightful city view reminiscent of those famously found on German Talers. Minor marks that do not detract from the overall eye appeal. Attractive and desirable.Margolis had a few rather overt interests in his collecting of medallic art. One such theme was that of medals pertaining to mans earliest pursuits to conquer the heavens in the form of ballooning. The European exploits of the late 18th century are contained here across many different country categories. Also quite noticeable was his interest in the medallic art of Jewish engravers, such as Jakob Abraham and his son, Abraham Abramson, among numerous others. Across this selection of medals, these themes and topics will become obvious, adding further dimensions to the already intense focus with which Margolis pursued his collecting.From the Richard Margolis Collection.
