Medal in Envelope: Brooklyn Bridge...1833

Draftsman C.E.

Medal in Envelope: Brooklyn Bridge...1833

1883

Place madeUnited States, North America

Aluminum

Overall (diameter): 1 7/16 in. (3.6 cm)

Gift of the Estate of Chester A. Smith

INV.3405

This medal commemorates the opening of the East River Bridge (or the Brooklyn Bridge) on May 24, 1883, the first bridge to link Long Island and Manhattan. The steel-suspension engineering marvel spanned 1,595 feet, long the greatest distance for a bridge in the world. Today there are six bridges along the East River.

DescriptionAluminum struck medal with obverse showing view of Brooklyn Bridge with buildings and marine vessels; legend above: "Two Cities As One"; inscription below: "NEW YORK/& BROOKLYN." Reverse bears inscription within open laurel wreath: "SOUVENIR/OF THE/OPENING/OF THE/EAST RIVER/BRIDGE/MAY 24TH/1883/1867 -- 1883." Hole punched at top.

MarkingsInscription: obverse, at lower right of field: "C.E. D."

ClassificationsMEDALS