Description

This is the original and one of a kind antique federal shield panel that was hand painted on tin of The OHIO State Seal. It was hand made to decorate the Sub-Treasury Building on Wall Street in New York City for the Washington Centennial Literary Exercises. In celebration of George Washington 100th anniversary of his Inauguration as the first President of the United States in 1789. It is interesting to note that Washington was inaugurated in 1789 very close to where this celebration was held in 1889 at New York City. A shield was on display for each of the 42 States making up the United States at this time in 1889. This rare piece of OHIO history features a hand painted tin shield with a gold background and a round cartouche at the center. The cartouche features The Ohio State Seal.A rare, one of a kind antique hand painted Ohio State Great Seal. The back of the panel is marked: THIS SHIELD WAS USED IN THE DECORATION OF THE SUB-TREASURY BUILDING WALL ST, NEW YORK AT THE WASHINGTON CENTENNIAL LITERARY EXERCISES APRIL, 30, 1889 PRESENTED BY DUNCAN & JOHNSTON THE DECORATORS. The George Washington Centennial Celebration in New York City during April 29, April 30, and May 1, 1889, was an elaborate affair commemorating the inauguration of George Washington as first President of the United States in 1789. The Government, the military, civic, and business interests combined efforts to showcase the prominence of New York City. Three days of celebratory events were held, including: the arrival and reception of President Benjamin Harrison and his official party, a naval parade, public reception at the City Hall, the Centennial Ball, services at St. Pauls Chapel, literary exercises at the Sub-Treasury Building, a military parade, and banquet at the Metropolitan Opera House, and an industrial and civic parade. Condition: The shield is quite large and measures 28 by 25 inches or 71 by 64 cm unframed. The piece is in its original as found condition; there is wear to the paint at the corners, bolt holes and slight paint loss throughout the piece as comes with age, wear & use. It is incredible that this fabulous piece was saved and survived for 124 years and is now available.