1972 Redd Foxx Award of Distinction Colonial Baking Co St Louis Vintage Plaque

Offered here is a rare and historic 1972 Award of Distinction plaque presented to Redd Foxx, one of the most celebrated comedians of the 20th century. This award, given on May 9, 1972, was issued by the Colonial Baking Company of St. Louis, Missouri and recognizes Foxx’s “Outstanding Performance and Contribution for Bringing Humor to the American People.” At the time, Redd Foxx had skyrocketed to national fame as the star of Sanford and Son, a groundbreaking television sitcom that debuted earlier that same year. This was the height of Foxx’s career, when he was not only a beloved television personality but also a cultural figure who brought laughter into millions of American households. The plaque is crafted with a shield-shaped solid wood base, measuring approximately 14 inches tall. Affixed to the wood is a gold-tone brass plate bearing the engraved award text. Above the inscription rests a gilded eagle emblem, while a star motif is set into the lower portion of the wood. The engraving credits William E. Jones, President, and Lloyd A. Smith, Public Relations of Colonial Baking Company, signifying that this was not a mass-produced award but a one-of-a-kind corporate honor presented directly to Foxx. Condition is consistent with its age and historical significance. The wood has scratches, cracks in the wood, handling marks, while the engraved brass plate exhibits tarnishing, patina, and scratches from decades of storage and display. The lettering remains clear and easy to read. Despite these expected signs of wear, the plaque retains its impressive presentation and historic value. What makes this plaque particularly significant is the context of its presentation. In 1972, Redd Foxx was redefining comedy on television, breaking barriers for African American entertainers, and gaining recognition not only in Hollywood but across corporate America. Awards such as this reflect how Foxx’s humor resonated beyond the stage and screen, reaching communities and companies across the nation who wished to honor his i

Condition

Used (normal wear)