Description:

1909-1910 Indianapolis Motor Speedway bronze H.E. Smith racing / aviation medal.
Some natural patina and wear to ribbon.

The H.E. Smith medal is an early example of a medal awarded by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and reportedly originally produced by Tiffany & Co, for participants in various events held at the Speedway starting in 1909.

More information from First Super Speedway.com: According to Donald Davidson, chief historian of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, these medals were produced in large numbers in both silver and bronze. They were first created in 1909 and awarded to first and second place finishers in all events at the Speedway. Donald isn't sure, but thinks it is even likely the medals were awarded not only to the successful drivers of the five auto race meets (including the December 1909 event at the Speedway) during 1909 and 1910, but also the riders of the August 1909 motorcycle race meet and the balloonists of the two national championship events in 1909 and 1910 as well as the airplane pilots of the June 1910 aviation meet. These medals demonstrate that Speedway management not only saw the facility as an auto racing track, but a multi-purpose facility capable of hosting a variety of events, especially those associated with aviation. At one point in 1909 they even considered a bid to host the Olympic Games.

Given the wide variety of contests at the meets during the early years - especially the auto races - it is conceivable the Speedway could have distributed as many as 40 medals at a single event. Donald believes more medals were produced than could be distributed at these events before the Speedway management decided to change course and stage a single great event - the Indianapolis 500 - in 1911. As a result, a new purpose for the medals emerged and they were awarded to people achieving success in any number of roles associated with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and racing in general. Donald has seen a number of these medals, but this is the first one he has come across with no inscription on the back side. In every other instance there was an inscription on the back that explained the individual's accomplishment or contribution. Note that the medals were produced by Tiffany & Co.

  • Dimensions: 6 3/4"Drop x 1 3/4"Medal diameter

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping and removal are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Shipping is available by request through a third party shipping service, Shipping Saint. Please contact our office if you would like to arrange your own shipping. Buyers will not automatically receive a shipping invoice. You will be sent a separate invoice for shipping once your initial invoice is paid and your items are packed and ready to ship. Shipping is invoiced via Shipping Saint and cannot be combined with your auction invoice.
Shipping Saint can be contacted at [email protected] or via phone, 317-644-6088.
PICKUP: Pickup is by appointment only. Items are subject to storage fees if they are not removed from premises within 10 business days. If items require shipping, arrangements and removal must be completed within 15 business days.

Ripley Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $199 $20
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 + $2,500