Late 19th Century Architectural Element Wall Accessory Solid Bronze

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Second bridge

The second Girard Avenue Bridge was built 1873-74, in anticipation of the 1876 Centennial Exposition that was to … Read more Second bridge

The second Girard Avenue Bridge was built 1873-74, in anticipation of the 1876 Centennial Exposition that was to be held in West Fairmount Park. It was designed by Clarke, Reeves & Company, Engineers, built by the Phoenix Bridge Company, and cost $1,404,445. When completed, it was believed to be the largest high bridge in the United States: 1000 feet (304.8 m) in length and 100 feet (30.5 m) in width.[2] It opened on July 4, 1874, three days after the Philadelphia Zoo.[3] In 1895, the trolley crossing it was electrified. The bridge was a five span iron Pratt truss bridge.

These 23.25" square were either given away, salvaged as scrap or thrown in the river. They are very very rare, cast solid bronze. The color you see is a light coating of 50 years of weather, wind, and road salts. I have not altered the patina in any way. I did on the reverse buff out a small area to show the bronze if polished out.. see the two photos of two light angles on a flat surface. this is what the front could be. If you wanted it polished. The bronze is a full one eight inch thick and this one weighs 30pounds. So to be clear this is from the 2nd of three bridges replaced by the third bridge in 1974. See less