1926 National Turnfest Medal
Offered is an original 1926 National Turnfest medal issued by the American Turnerbund, commemorating the national gymnastics and athletic festival held in New York City, June 15–20, 1926.
The front features a dynamic relief of a discus thrower with the Turners’ motto “Sound Mind / Sound Body”, surrounded by the inscription 33rd National Turnfest – American Turnerbund. The reverse is stamped “The Whitehead & Hoag Co., Newark, N.J.”, a well-known maker of early 20th-century medals and badges.
This is a solid, heavy medal with an integral top slot, originally intended for ribbon wear. It displays a rich, aged bronze tone with honest surface wear consistent with age and use. No ribbon is present.
Event: 33rd National Turnfest
Organization: American Turnerbund
Year: 1926
Location: New York City
Maker: Whitehead & Hoag Co., Newark, NJ
Material: Bronze (or bronze-tone metal)
Diameter: approx. 1.25 inches 7
Condition: Vintage condition with surface wear, patina, and age marks; no breaks or repairs
Please review photos closely as they are part of the description.
The American Turnerbund was a prominent German-American athletic and cultural organization emphasizing physical fitness, discipline, and education. National Turnfests were major events, drawing participants from across the country, making original medals like this desirable to collectors of sports history, gymnastics memorabilia, German-American heritage, and early 20th-century medals.