Medallion Commemorating the Opening of Blackpool’s Gigantic Ferris Wheel 1896

Here on offer is a medallion commemorating the opening of Blackpool’s Gigantic Ferris Wheel in 1896.

The medallion is made from a white metal alloy and on the obverse depicts the structure of the big wheel and an entrance gate to the Winter Gardens and the words:

BLACKPOOL GIGANTIC WHEEL

On the reverse side it depicts the inscription:

ERECTED WITHIN SIX MONTHS
OPENED
22 AUG 1896
HEIGHT 220 FEET
WEIGHT 440 TONS
FULL LOAD
750
PEOPLE

The medallion is in great condition, with the fine detail of the wording and images remaining, just some light oxidation to the finish, mainly on the edges.


Some history of the Winter Gardens Company.

In 1895, the Blackpool Winter Gardens Company wanted an attraction to rival the successful and famous Blackpool Tower.

It decided upon a gigantic wheel. The first had been constructed by G.W.G. Ferris for the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 and was 250 feet high. Another had been built for the Earl's Court Oriental Exhibition of 1895. They floated a new company, The Auto-Music Company Ltd., to own and operate the big wheel, a wise decision, as it was not commercially successful.

Interestingly, the charge at Blackpool was only 6 pence, compared with 1/- and 2/- in London. It would seem that Blackpool gave terrific value in those days, just as it continues to do nowadays.

In 1896, the wheel opened to the public, but it was overshadowed by the tower, which at 519 feet, was over twice its height. The big wheel itself was 214 feet high, and rotated every 15 minutes compared with 35 minutes for its London rival.

The medallion measures 1.4” (3.7cm) diameter and weighs 12g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51090