General Auction including Antiques & Collectables, Gold & Silver.
A medallic first day cover issued by the International Society of Postmasters to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem. The centerpiece is a limited edition sterling silver proof medal housed in a protective circular window. The obverse of the medal features a three-quarter portrait of Boris Schatz, the academy founder, set against a background of geometric shapes including a circle, triangle, and square. The reverse bears the logo of the International Society of Postmasters, consisting of a globe within a post horn, above a bilingual inscription in English and French reading: OFFICIAL COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE Honoring the 70th Anniversary of Bezalel Academy February 17, 1976 / EMISSION COMMEMORATIVE OFFICIELLE En l’honneur du 70e anniversaire de l’Académie Bezalel Le 17 février 1976. The medal is struck with a proof finish characterized by mirrored fields and frosted relief.
The medal is mounted within a cream-coloured presentation card that functions as a first day cover. It features an Israeli 1.85 denomination postage stamp depicting an abstract key motif and associated text. The stamp is cancelled with a black circular postmark from Jerusalem dated 17. 2. 76. The front of the card bears the printed title INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF POSTMASTERS OFFICIAL COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE in English and French, along with the designation LIMITED EDITION PROOF STERLING SILVER. The reverse of the card contains a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Kenneth O. Strom as President and Gaston Meunier as Secretary General.
Condition report:
The sterling silver medal is in excellent condition with a sharp strike and distinct proof contrast; there is no visible toning or surface wear to the metal (photos 1 and 2). The protective plastic casing on the reverse shows some light surface scuffing and scratches (photo 3). The cream-coloured card mount remains structurally sound but exhibits minor age-related yellowing and slight wear to the edges and corners (photo 1). The postage stamp and postmark are clear and well-preserved.
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