1912 Motor Yacht Championship Sterling Medal Gorham Start Price USD 129.99 Current Price USD 261.00 Time Left - Bid Count 7 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, August 31, 2008 End Time Wednesday, September 10, 2008 Location Pittsburgh, PA See more about '1912 Motor Yacht Championship Sterling Medal Gorham ' Description Offered for auction is this exceptional award medal. This sterling silver medal was cast for the National Association of Engine and Boat Manufacturers by the Gorham Company. It was awarded to the motor yacht Avis for the championship race of 1912. The obverse side to the medal reads "National Association of Engine and Boat Manufacturers Incorporated 1904." The reverse reads "1912 Motor Yacht Championship Won By "Avis" Owner F C Havens." The edge of the medal is marked with the Gorham hallmark of Lion, Anchor, G along with the word "sterling," the letters B and M, and a three leaf clover. The medal is 2 inches across and has a weight of 3.75 troy ounces. The medal is in perfect untouched condition with the original case being present.   The motor yacht Avis, a 52-foot motor boat, was built in 1908 at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, for use as a pleasure craft. Acquired by the Navy for World War I service, she was placed in commission in late July 1917 as USS Avis (SP-382). Beginning in September of that year she was employed on patrol duties at Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, guarding the approaches to the "Soo" locks between Lakes Huron and Superior. Laid up at Detroit during the winter of 1917-1918, she returned to Sault Sainte Marie in May 1918. With the need for her services ended by the 11 November 1918 Armistice, she was returned to her owner a few days later. The only known photograph of the Avis may be viewed at http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-civil/civsh-a/avis.htm Having been built in Manitowoc, the Avis was most likely a product of the Burger Boat Company. This company is the oldest custom yacht builder in America having been founded in 1856.   Frank C. Havens, the owner of the Avis, was also the owner of a 37 foot launch named Nalka manufactured by Kyle and Purdy in 1907. Mr. Havens, a wealthy resident of San Francisco, California, was a noted real estate developer and railway owner. He was a director of the Oakland Traction Company and the San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose Railway. He is best remembered today as having comissioned the famed architect Bernard Maybeck to design and build his home Piedmont in 1908.   This medal would appeal to those interested in vintage boats such as Chris Craft as well as those interested in coin and medal collecting. Thanks for looking. Please email with any questions. Good Luck. Place a Bid!