The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 50, December 9, 2007, Article 7

CATALOGUE: SOTHEBY LAFAYETTE GOLD ORDER OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI

Alan V. Weinberg writes: "This week I received via DHL a
complimentary hardbound 8 x 11 auction catalogue/book from
Sotheby's New York City offering as a single lot the George
Washington / Marquis de Lafayette Order of the Society of
the Cincinnati gold and enamel ribboned decoration to be
auctioned Dec 11, 2007. The book/catalogue, which has 75
pages, is dedicated exclusively to "A Sacred Relic" which
is the title of the book/auction catalogue.

"The Order or Badge, as Sotheby's calls it, is accompanied
by its rather inexpensive-looking contemporary case. Somewhat
like the 1850 San Francisco Alderman's gold medal case of
issue (Stack's Ford XX sale on Oct 16, 2007), an extraordinarily
fine piece of expensive workmanship ($150 in 1850) in a rather
ordinary-looking, inexpensive case. The Cincinnati decoration
box is inscribed simply "Washington's Cincinnati Badge" in
gilt lettering. I've seen much lesser medals, even bronze,
in much plusher boxes.

"The photography in the hardbound Sotheby "catalogue" is
close-up and magnificent and perhaps a dozen different views
of the ribboned badge and case are throughout the book.
Numerous pertinent documents are also pictured giving the
casual reader the impression that the documents accompany
the medal. That is not true and one must carefully read the
footnotes to these documents' pictures to see the documents
are housed in historical societies and don't accompany the
Cincinnati badge.

"The catalogue suggests an auction value of $4 to $10 million
for this decoration (gasp!). As a serious collector of American
historical medals for several decades, I'm doubtful this decoration
or badge qualifies as a 'numismatic medal' or that numismatists
will be pursuing this historic relic. Knowing the authors'
guidelines, it certainly would not have been included in the
Bowers/Jaeger book "100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens" just
published. It is more in line with what appeals to members of
OMSA (Orders and Medals Society of America) and collectors/investors
in historical artifacts, colonial furniture or early American
weapons. Whether or not it will realize the expected $4-10 million
goal, the chances are greater now with this quality catalogue
offering the single piece. I wonder what the reserve is?

"Oh, the badge is hardly unique, with others being housed in
museums (just not with the GW/Lafayette connection). And it is
the first style of a long line of slightly modified gold/enamel
Society of the Cincinnati badges which are only moderately rare.
But the book or catalogue itself - a feast for the eyes and a
nice addition to one's numismatic library. I wonder how many
were printed?"

[I went to the Sotheby's web site earlier this week hoping to
order a copy of the catalogue - it was priced at a whopping $48.
-Editor]

Alan adds: "Sotheby's, to protect their image and credibility
will not sell anything for less than approx 60% (or more - perhaps
80%) of their low estimate. This is standard among the 'better'
auction houses. 60% of the low estimate of $4 million is still
$2.4 million. My guess is it won't sell."

Rev. William Spooner writes: "When I read their estimate, I
thought they were nucking futz."

To order a copy of the Sotheby Order of the Cincinnati catalogue, see
https://www.sothebys.com/app/live/pub/PubCatDetail.jsp?event_id=28589

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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