1915 San Francisco P.P.I.E Tower Of Jewels Yellow Red Jewel Medallion Box Rare

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Extremely rare set from Shreve & Company 1915 that includes the following:A large faceted yellow jewel mounted in a brass holder with medallion from the 1915 Pan Pacific International Exposition "P.P.I.E.".The heavy yellow glass jewel measures 1 7/8" in diameter while the copper or brass medallion measures 15/16" and reads "FROM THE TOWER OF JEWELS P.P.I.E. SAN FRANCISCO 1915" and "CERTIFIED - W. DARCY RYAN - CHIEF OF ILLUMINATION" around the edge. The piece has a few light scuffs, chips, and tarnish of the metal. Complete with the brass mount. It is missing the mirror that was beneath the jewel.Vivid, red glass jewel is 1 3/8" in diameter. It has a small nick on one edge and it appears a nick is on the point.Original box is included. Box is scuffed and missing part of the front closure. Inside gold lining is in very good condition, not torn or worn. Box is 5" x 4.5" x 1.75" The back of the box is stamped "Shreve & Co."Taken from Wikipedia: " Shreve & Co . Shreve & Company is an established retailer of jewelry, from timepieces to diamonds, headquartered in San Francisco, California. Incorporated in 1894 by George Rodman and Albert J. Lewis, it is considered the oldest commercial establishment in San Francisco."" Walter D'Arcy Ryan ( Kentville, Nova Scotia , Canada, April 17, 1870 - Schenectady, New York , USA, March 14, 1934) was an influential early lighting engineer who worked for General Electric as director of its Illuminating Engineering Laboratory. He pioneered skyscraper illumination, designed the Scintillator colored searchlights display, and was responsible for the lighting of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco and the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago , in addition to the first complete illumination of Niagara Falls . He combined illumination into both an art and a science."My guess is that this piece actually hung from the Tower of Jewels because the Yellow Jewel has "Patent Pending" at the top of the copper hanger around the hole." Also the ones that hung on the tower have only the words "PATENT PENDING" at the top of copper hanger around hole which this one has." /the-jamieson-collection/novagems-novagem-jewerlyThe Tower of Jewels constructed for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition was 433 feet high with seven lifts (gradually smaller towers). The ledges at the base of each lift were copiously adorned with elaborate figures representing the history of Panama.The outside of the building was covered with 10 tons of faceted Austrian crystal medallions, like yours, that hung on tiny hooks. The loose attachment allowed the crystals to catch the breeze and twinkle. There were 100,000 medallions in five colors. Each crystal had a small mirror behind it to further reflect light rays.In daylight, the cut glass was a sparkling delight. But at night when the building was bathed with 500 rooftop projectors and 370 search lights, it must have been breathtaking. This was the first time many of the more than 20 million visitors had seen a display of indirect lighting. The tower also had pulsating red lights. The 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition was the city's proof of recovery and anticipation of development.At the fair's closing on Dec. 4, 1915, the 102,000 Austrian crystal medallions were released for sale to the public.Rare, collectible piece. No reserve price on this amazing piece of history.Please look at all photos carefully and feel free to contact me should you have any questions. read more

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