Piece of history offered on eBay
click of the mouse and deep pockets are all that's separating online bidders from a chance to own a rare piece of Canadian history that ranks among the country's most prestigious honours: One of the earliest Order of Canada medals.
The medal, awarded to noted Quebec historian Gustave Lanctot nearly 40 years ago, surfaced eight days ago on eBay.
The Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the country.
As of 3 p.m. MST yesterday, nine bids had been registered for the sterling silver medal, with the highest bid posted at US$510, or about C$590. Bidding is slated to end Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. MST.
Born in 1885 in St-Constant, Que., about 30 km south of Montreal, Lanctot was a well-known historian whose historical works -- including Francois-Xavier Garneau, Histoire du Canada and Montreal sous Maisonneuve -- spanned some 40 years.
The seller writes that the "very rare medal of service" was recently acquired in an estate sale.
The engraving of the word "service" reveals the rarity of the decades-old medal. Only about 125 are in existence.