Johannes Gutenberg

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Although the city of Mainz declared 1400 as Gutenberg's official year of birth in 1900, the precise date of birth is unfortunately lost to history, but most scholars and historians agree that he was born in the late 14th or very early 15th century. Based on analysis of later records and accounts of his life, the general consensus among researchers is that Gutenberg was likely born sometime around the year 1400, plus or minus a few years. His birth year is generally estimated to fall between 1394 and 1404, though some sources give a slightly wider range between 1390 and 1406.

Accordingly Mainz held a fair in celebration of Gutenberg (Gutenbergfeier) with a parade in June 1900

Some postcards issued for the event









The cards are generally plain on the back except for the following card which was printed on the reverse as well.




Some cards were printed with a portrait of Gutenberg on the reverse

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The previous post concentrated on postcards just for the Gutenbergfeier.

Postcards issued to celebrate the 500th jubilee:









One from Frankfurt



A few of the cards have been blind embossed with an image of Gutenberg which does not always show up on the image - see below for back view which shows up slightly more

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Some other Gutenberg postcards from around 1900

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Some more postcards for the Gutenbergfeier and Jubelfeier

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Anniversary newspaper: Mainz, 24 June 1900 / Gutenberg celebration
This was a four-page newspaper

 dilibri Rheinland-Pfalz (www.dilibri.de)





Rough translation of the poem on page 1

City of freedom and songs,
City of piety and lust,
Golden Mainz, now rejoice again.
Cheer at the top of your lungs

And the head with laurel crown,
For half a millennium vanished,
Since the best of your sons
Rose to your highest glory!

There won the greatest victory
Gutenberg, the simple hero,
And with his lead columns
The world has conquered itself!

He broke down the barriers of the spirit,
Who now works from place to place,
He gave duration to the thought,
Wings to the written word!

To smash delusion and lies
If it no longer needs weapons of steel,
Gutenberg with his letters
Exceeded them a thousand times!

That is why in eons
Don't let his trail go down,
That is why in all zones
Rise his fame anew today!

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Line-up plan: historical parade; June 25, 1900 / Gutenberg celebrations in Mainz

 dilibri Rheinland-Pfalz (www.dilibri.de)

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Medal from Germany, the 1900 German Medal in Honour of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the Printing Press and the 500 Year Anniversary of the Invention.

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500th anniversary of Johannes Gutenberg  1900



Obverse:   Half-length figure with hat facing slightly right.

Lettering: JOHANNES GUTENBERG

Reverse:   Inscribed plaque between laurel branches.

Lettering:
500
JÄHRIGE
JUBELFEIER
1400-1900

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500th anniversary of Johannes Gutenberg   1900



Obverse:   Bearded bust with hat facing right.

Lettering:
JOH.
GUTENBERG

Reverse:   Helmeted coat of arms.

Lettering:
1400-1900
ZUR 500 JÄHRIGEN JUBELFEIER

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Johannes Gutenberg, 500th anniversary medal from the United States



Obverse:  Printing Press from 1450

Reverse:  Printing Press from 1900

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In 1979 Franklin Mint issued a limited edition set of ten pewter figurines, 'The Inventions That Shaped the Modern World' to commemorate the 75th anniversary of The Deutsches Museum, among the ten was Johannes Gutenberg (the printing press).    Measures about 4.5" x 4.5" x 4.5"

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A SILVER & ENAMEL MASONIC FOUNDER MEDAL    1937  JOHANN GUTENBERG LODGE No 5593.(Bishops Stortford)