The Silich Collection of Historical and Art Medals (Part I)

U.S.A., Third of a Century of I.B.M., 1947, a bronze medal by C.P. Jennewein for Medallic Art Co, bust of Thomas Watson half-left, rev. legend in 9 lines flanked by small laurel wreaths, Watson’s signature below, edge impressed medallic art co. n.y. bronze, 63mm, 112.43g (MACO 1947-003). Very fine; in a contemporary gilt frame, with hook on the back for suspension £25-£35

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Silich Collection of Historical and Art Medals.

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bt Simmons, June 2015

The International Business Machines Corporation, founded in June 1911 as the Computing Tabulating Recording Co at Endicott, NY, was renamed in 1924. Thomas John Watson Sr (1874-1956), who had been fired from the National Cash Register Co for illegal anti-competitive sales practices, was hired in May 1914 as its general manager, but within a year he was promoted and was to become chairman and CEO of International Business Machines. The self-styled ‘king’ of punch-cards, who was hailed as the world’s greatest salesman on his death, oversaw the company’s growth into an international force and was regarded as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ‘unofficial’ ambassador in New York.