Souvenir Ribbon of the Worlds Columbian Exposition. Silk. Extremely Fine. Approximately 11.5 inches x 2.8 inches. An exceptionally well preserved piece with the original long pin stitched in place. The primary ribbon is cream, and adorned at the top with a large, tied bow. A tassled fringe is seen at the bottom. It is stamped at the top in gilt, CHIEF J. W. PUTNAM / ETHNOLOGY, an erroneous representation of the professors name. Stitched to the front is a secondary silk ribbon, woven in black, red, blue and gold. It indicates that it was "Woven in the Worlds Columbian Exposition Chicago 1893," and includes a woven vignette of Machinery Hall, and a secondary vignette of a locomotive at the bottom. It is handsomely accomplished and, according to a manuscript note on Exposition letterhead that accompanies it, it was a "Souvenir of L.W. Robinsons dinner to the Director-General and his Staff, Thursday, October 5th, 1893." Just a trace of minor discoloration is noted near the top of the ribbon, but it is bright and most impressive otherwise. The thick paper that accompanies it was once pinned to it, and has several small holes as a result. An impressive and likely extremely rare souvenir that would have been only produced for high office holders associated with the Exposition. (Total: 2 pieces)
