A Gift of Liberty: The Story Behind America’s Most Iconic Monument
When you picture the Statue of Liberty, you see more than just a towering figure of copper and iron standing in New York Harbor. You see a symbol of freedom, democracy, and the enduring friendship between nations. Since its dedication in 1886, Lady Liberty has welcomed millions of immigrants, inspired generations, and stood as a universal beacon of hope.
But behind her commanding presence is a story of international collaboration, masterful artistry, and remarkable engineering.
The Statue of Liberty: A Gift from France to the United States
The idea for the Statue of Liberty was born from a shared vision between French intellectuals and American patriots in the wake of the American Civil War. It was conceived as a gift from the people of France to the United States, celebrating their mutual commitment to liberty and democracy. The project was led by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, whose artistic genius brought the colossal figure to life, while engineer Gustave Eiffel — famed for his Eiffel Tower — designed the internal iron framework that would support the statue's immense weight.
Construction began in France in 1875. Artisans meticulously hammered large copper sheets to create the statue’s outer skin, which was then mounted over an iron skeleton. Designed to be assembled like a giant three-dimensional puzzle, the statue was completed in sections. Once finished in 1884, it was carefully disassembled, packed into more than 200 crates, and shipped across the Atlantic to New York City.
Upon arrival, the statue was reassembled on Liberty Island (then Bedloe’s Island) in New York Harbor. On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated, immediately becoming one of the most enduring symbols of freedom worldwide.
Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi: The Visionary Behind Liberty
Born in 1834 in Colmar, France, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi dedicated his life to monumental art. Trained at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts, Bartholdi specialized in large-scale public sculptures that blended symbolic meaning with technical mastery. His vision for the Statue of Liberty was more than just artistic—it was deeply philosophical, representing ideals of liberty, human rights, and Franco-American friendship.
Throughout his career, Bartholdi remained committed to works that celebrated civic pride and universal values. Today, he is remembered as one of the foremost sculptors of the 19th century, with the Statue of Liberty standing as his greatest legacy.
The Symbolism and Legacy of Lady Liberty
Beyond its towering presence, the Statue of Liberty carries profound meaning that has resonated for generations. Her raised torch represents enlightenment, lighting the path to freedom and opportunity. The broken chains at her feet symbolize liberation from oppression, while the tablet inscribed with “July 4, 1776” ties her to America's founding principles.
For countless immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, Lady Liberty was the first sight of their new homeland—a welcoming figure offering hope, dignity, and a promise of a better future. Over time, she has become more than a national monument; she stands as a universal symbol of human rights, democracy, and the enduring fight for liberty across the globe.
The legacy of the Statue of Liberty reminds us that freedom is both a gift and a shared responsibility—an ideal that transcends borders and generations. Owning an authentic relic from this monument is not only a connection to history but a personal link to the ideals she represents.
A One in a lifetime Opportunity: Authentic Copper Relic & Bartholdi Signed Postcard
While millions have gazed upon Lady Liberty from afar, very few have ever had the chance to own an actual piece of the statue itself. Today, we are proud to share that we have acquired this truly exceptional and likely unique artifact: a framed display featuring an authentic copper section from the original Statue of Liberty, accompanied by a signed postcard from Frédéric Bartholdi. After enjoying the piece, studying it and writing this post, we sent the piece directly to University Archives to be auctioned.
The copper element bears the inscription:
“FRAGMENT DE CUIVRE DE LA STATUE COLOSSALE DE LA LIBERTE EXECUTEE PAR A. BARTHOLDI 1875–1883,” which translates to:
“Fragment of copper from the colossal Statue of Liberty executed by A. Bartholdi 1875–1883.”
Paired with this is a postcard depicting the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, inscribed by Bartholdi in French:
“Avec tous mes remerciements pour vos cordiales félicitations,” meaning: “With all my thanks for your cordial congratulations,” and boldly signed “Bartholdi.”
The copper panel measures 4 x 1 inches, while the postcard measures 5.75 x 3.25 inches. Both are presented in an elegant custom frame measuring 10.5 x 17 inches overall.
This is the first authentic piece of the Statue of Liberty we have ever handled—and in fact, it is likely one of the only original copper relics from the statue ever presented to the public at auction in the United States.
A Relic of Liberty for Collectors and Historians Alike
Owning an actual piece of the Statue of Liberty is not just acquiring a rare and unique artifact — it’s possessing something much more… A symbol of freedom, artistry, and international friendship. This unique pairing of Bartholdi's own hand-signed message with a genuine section of Lady Liberty’s original copper is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for serious collectors, historians, and admirers of American heritage.
For those who cherish American history, this is a chance to bring home a true relic of liberty.
If you have any relics related to Bartholdi, the Eiffel Tower, or the Statue of Liberty that you would like to sell, please contact us by clicking here:
To view the auction listing which commences on June 4th, click here: