Fair Play: Soulis Auctions’ 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair Exposition Sale

Soulis Auctions of Lone Jack, MO is hosting its 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition sale on September 30, 2023. This 166-lot auction features a full spectrum of event memorabilia and souvenirs from a single family collection. The 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, was engineered to highlight innovations across all global industries and took place from April 30 to December 1, 1904 in St. Louis, MO. Its campus included over 1,500 buildings with exhibitions by 50 countries, 43 states, and the U.S. Government. It cost nearly USD 15 million to produce the event– nearly $470 million in today’s dollars. Here are some eye-catching highlights from this intriguing time capsule sale.

This auction features a fine collection of souvenir spoons produced in honor of the 1904 World’s Fair. Lot #7139, a collection of 17 sterling silver spoons, is estimated at $50 to $500. They range in size from about four inches to six inches long. Each is dedicated and themed to a venue, building, or landmark from the event. The spoons are elaborately and intricately decorated on both sides of their necks and handles, in their bowls, and even on the rear of their bowls in some cases.

Souvenir spoons were a popular category of collectibles in the United States from the late 1880s through the early 1940s. The first one, which appeared in 1889, was produced by Galt & Bros. of Washington, D.C. to mark the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration. By the early 1890s, these spoons were being made as souvenirs for most important events, gatherings, and occasions here in America. Their size, price point, collectibility, ease of display, and decorative appeal made them the perfect keepsake of their era.

Table medals also make a strong showing in this event. Lot #6956, three 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair bronze table medals, is estimated at $50 to $500. They range in size from two inches to three inches each. Two are round and one is the shape of a shield. The shield-shaped medal features an eagle with outstretched wings, two dolphins, a shell, and the words “Grand Prize, Louisiana Purchase Exposition” on one side, with two idealized women (probably Columbia and a smaller maiden representing the Louisiana Purchase Territory) and the words “Universal Exposition St. Louis United States of America 1904” on the reverse. The two small round medals are equally well rendered with symbolic images and references on both sides.

The 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair organizers gave out numerous medals and awards of merit to exhibitors, companies, individuals, and others who made significant contributions to the success of the event. All Exposition award medals were designed by sculptor Adolf A. Weinman (German American, 1870 – 1952) and produced by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Five levels of medals were produced and awarded to reflect grand, gold, silver, bronze, and commemorative status.

Postcards were another important souvenir category at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. They were small, light, inexpensive, and efficient to produce, and they helped market the fair to audiences around the world given their form and purpose. Lot #7070, a collection of 49 colorful hold-to-the-light postcards, is estimated at $50 to $500. Each card measures 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches and is very well rendered.

Unlike standard flat image postcards, elements of hold-to-the-light postcards pop with vibrant color when held up to a strong light. These details often include the moon, water features, or windows on a building, house, or car. Many of the premier (and most desirable) hold-to-the-light postcards from the early 20th century were made and distributed by the Joseph Koehler company of New York, NY. The company printed all of its hold-to-the-light postcards in Berlin, Germany.

This 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair sale also presents a full spectrum of fair related china, pottery, and enamelware. These include cups, bowls, saucers, serving pieces, shaving mugs, toothpick holders, and numerous other forms of well decorated functional items of the period. Lot #6839, a collection of 16 smaller-scaled themed porcelain souvenirs, is estimated at $50 to $500. Most are colorfully embellished with images of the fair’s buildings and key dignitaries. Several have gilt gold edging, rims, or highlights, most likely to give these pieces an elite, upscale appearance.

This fascinating sale rounds out with ephemera, novelties, figurines, jewelry, paperweights, and other curious fair souvenirs. Lot #6771, a perfectly to scale inkstand model of the fair’s Festival Hall and its legacy cascading waterfall setting, is estimated at $50 to $500. It includes its original gold-topped, clear cube glass inkwell and mother of pearl fountain pen. Its base is covered in gold felt. The bottom edges of the inkwell note in impressed lettering: “Cascades & Festival – Hall,” “St. Louis,” “900 Feet Wide 1100 Feet Deep,” and “1904.”

According to the Missouri History Museum, Festival Hall was the crown jewel and most photographed building at the 1904 World’s Fair. It housed the world’s largest pipe organ (at the time) and featured a 4,500-seat auditorium. Despite these accomplishments, the building– like many others associated with the event– was torn down at the conclusion of the fair.

For more information on Soulis Auctions’ 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition sale, visit LiveAuctioneers. 

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