SMP Logo
SM Publications
Silver Salon Forums - The premier site for discussing Silver.
SMP | Silver Salon Forums | SSF - Guidelines | SSF - FAQ | Silver Sales

The Silver Salon Forums
Since 1993
Over 11,793 threads & 64,769 posts !!
American Sterling Silver Forum
How to Post Photos REGISTER (click here)

customtitle open  SMP Silver Salon Forums
tlineopen  American Sterling Silver
tline3open  Edsel B. Ford Trophy

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
profile | register | preferences | faq | search

ForumFriend SSFFriend: Email This Page to Someone! next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   Edsel B. Ford Trophy
Scott Martin
Forum Master

Posts: 11520
Registered: Apr 93

iconnumber posted 03-21-2009 02:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Scott Martin     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote

The elegant Edsel B. Ford Trophy, serves as a symbol of the aviation legacy of Henry Ford and his only son Edsel B. Ford. Designed for the first Commercial Airplane Reliability Tour it is significant that it was awarded in 1925 as that year stands out as the inception of the Fords' aviation legacy.

Civic and business leaders formed a committee, and Edsel Ford donated a trophy – a beautiful structure of gold and silver three feet high, that cost $4,850 (some say $7,000). Called simply the Edsel B. Ford Trophy, it was inscribed, "This trophy is offered to encourage the up-building of commercial aviation as a medium of transportation."

The sterling silver & gold trophy sits on a base of dark marble. The names of the contestants who had perfect scores for the first rice in 1925. are engraved on a large name plate. The globe of the trophy denotes the history of transportation. beginning with the Indian travois and going on to all stages of transportation up through stage coaches, sailing vessels, ocean liners, automobiles, and airplanes.

It took nine months for the Gorham Silversmith Company to turn out this trophy and officials of Gorham Stated it was one of the most wonderful pieces of work that had ever been turned out by any silversmith.

Thus was born the "Edsel B. Ford Reliability Tour for the Development of Commercial Aviation." The Ford Reliability Tour, which was an efficiency contest held every year from 1925 through 1931. The official name was altered slightly over the years, "The Commercial Airplane Reliability Tour for the Edsel B. Ford Trophy" and ultimately became known simply as the "National Air Tour." The tour gave airplane builders an opportunity to take their latest models around the country in a well-publicized contest also meant to convince the man on the ground he should take to the sky.

The Edsel B. Ford Trophy is on permanent display at the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn. Michigan.

Designed by: William Codman
Supervising silversmith: Thomas J. Docker

IP: Logged

jersey

Posts: 1203
Registered: Feb 2005

iconnumber posted 03-26-2009 07:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for jersey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hello Scott!

What a great looking trophy. I love it especially since I had also been in the aviation industry. I wish they had made mini replicas.

Jersey

IP: Logged

All times are ET

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Administrative Options: Close Topic | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:


Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.46a


1. Public Silver Forums (open Free membership) - anyone with a valid e-mail address may register. Once you have received your Silver Salon Forum password, and then if you abide by the Silver Salon Forum Guidelines, you may start a thread or post a reply in the New Members' Forum. New Members who show a continued willingness to participate, to completely read and abide by the Guidelines will be allowed to post to the Member Public Forums.
Click here to Register for a Free password

2. Private Silver Salon Forums (invitational or $ donation membership) - The Private Silver Salon Forums require registration and special authorization to view, search, start a thread or to post a reply. Special authorization can be obtained in one of several ways: by Invitation; Annual $ Donation; or via Special Limited Membership. For more details click here (under development).

3. Administrative/Special Private Forums (special membership required) - These forums are reserved for special subjects or administrative discussion. These forums are not open to the public and require special authorization to view or post.


| Home | Order | The Guide to Evaluating Gold & Silver Objects | The Book of Silver
| Update BOS Registration | Silver Library | For Sale | Our Wants List | Silver Dealers | Speakers Bureau |
| Silversmiths | How to set a table | Shows | SMP | Silver News |
copyright © 1993 - 2022 SM Publications
All Rights Reserved.
Legal & Privacy Notices