Judaica / Zionism - Poland, Warsaw Bydgoszcz Railway Medal, 1862

Judaica / Zionism - Poland, Warsaw Bydgoszcz Railway Medal, 1862 A detailed bronze medal commemorating the opening of the Warsaw Bydgoszcz Railway, one of the major transportation and industrial achievements in Poland during the nineteenth century. Jewish industrialists and financiers were among the key figures involved in the project. Obverse A finely engraved early steam locomotive with thick smoke billowing from its chimney. Around the rim appears the Polish inscription: "Na pamiatke otwarcia drogi zelaznej warszawsko bydgoskiej dnia 1 grudnia 1862" Translation: In commemoration of the opening of the Warsaw Bydgoszcz Railway on December 1, 1862. Below the locomotive appears the artist's signature: M. Stanke F. Reverse An extensive dedication listing the founders and leading members of the railway company. Among them: Herman Epstein, a prominent Jewish leader and the President of the Board. Other names include industrialists, nobility and financiers who contributed to the establishment of the railway. The main inscription: "Zalozyciele towarzystwa drogi zelaznej warszawsko bydgoskiej" Translation: Founders of the Warsaw Bydgoszcz Railway Company. The lower section lists engineers, directors and the main contractors. This medal stands as a significant historical document reflecting Jewish participation in major economic projects in Eastern Europe during the nineteenth century. Weight: 171 grams Dimensions: 73 mm