Benjamin Pike Jr. (1809–1864), an instrument maker and dealer who had recently opened a shop at 294 Broadway, won this silver medal at the American Institute Fair held in New York City in 1844. The obverse is marked "Awarded to Benjamin Pike, Jr. For Superior Air Pumps. 1844." The reverse is marked "AMERICAN INSTITUTE, NEW YORK. R. LOVETT." Pike knew his market well. Americans at that time were establishing numerous schools and colleges and equipping them with instruments for scientific demonstrations. In his Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue of Optical, Mathematical and Philosophical Instruments (1848), designed to attract customers around the country, Pike offered seven different air pumps and many devices to use with them.
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