NEW! Religious Marriage Medal, rare gilded (vermeil) version of the early vintage 1832-1841. This isone of the more attractive medals in the entire series. Designer 'A.DE PUYMAURIN D./ PETIT F.'. Medal bearing well known quote from Matthew, chapter XIX: "QUOD ERGO DEUS CONJUNXIT HOMO NON SEPARET ('What God has brought together, let no man put asunder'). Most excellent medal, bearing silver fineness hallmark of the Paris Mint (antique lamp was struck on medals and tokens) as used in the period stated above. Very clean, superbly detailed. 31.5mm in diameter.
Item # Fra-264 *SOLD*
Marriage Medal 'CONNUBIUM CHRISTIANUM' 1880-1907 Paris Mint hallmark (silver over .950 fineness). This is perhaps one of the largest medals in the series at 32mm ø. Designed by 'GAYRARD F.'. It is unattributed (no engraving) making it quite attractive as a gift. Beautiful wreath of roses on the reverse.Excellent touch of patina (this can be easily cleaned since it is high silver content). A few little edge dings but nothing to detract from the overall appearance. Also, it is fitted for wear (perhaps fine silver chain around the neck) - which is quite rare.
Item # Fra-263 (62)
Marriage medal, Christian. Nice early example designed by 'MONTAGNY F.'. Non engraved! Silver, Paris Mint hallmark as used between 1832-1841. Excellent condition, 29mm in diameter. This would make for a splendid marriage gift (especially when engraved), a classic!
Item # Fra-262 *SOLD*
Marriage Medal, silver - this is a non religious version. Engraved reverse: "E.D.C. 3 Aout 1892". Designed by 'MONTAGNY F.' Excellent condition. 28mm ø. Paris Mint hallmark for silver as punched between 1880-1907.
Item # Fra-261 (52)
Christian Marriage Medal. These wonderful keepsakes were quite popular, made by the Paris Mint in high content silver. Reverse was blank, meant to be engraved (normally initials of the couple, sometimes dates). There were several designs of these medals created. Some were with religious conantation, others for love and long marriage - in the literature referred to as "Love and Marriage" medals (L'Amour et la Mariage). Some of the best designers worked on these. The earliest examples struck in Paris Mint seem to have been around 1830s. Practice seemed to have stopped some time around the Great War era.
This is a nice un-engraved example as manufactured between 1860-1879 (hallmark: bee + ARGENT). 24mm in diameter. Since it is silver of .950 fineness, it would clean up nicely.
Item # Fra-260 (48)
Pope Gregory XIII (1572-1585), The massacre of the Huguenots 1572/3 Medal. Such medals were struck in commemoration of the event known as St. Bartholomew's massacre conducted by the French in 1572. There has been quite a bit of interest about these medals, many believe that expressions in the faces (fear) on the reverse having direct ties to the Protestant Church. Whatever the case might be, it is an interesting medal. The medalier's inititals are indicated beneath the bust of the Pope 'F.P', these belonging to Federigo Bonzagna who at the time was called Federigo di Parma. Hence the letters F.P., which are to be found on several of his medals, stand for 'Fredericus Parmensis'. Some sources credit it to "Fecit Pisanus" which would be impossible since Pisanus died over hundred years prior. Medal offered here appears to be original, likely issued in the 2nd year. The general consensus in the reference material is that first issue was done in the 1st year of the Papacy and struck in silver. 2nd issue was done in the following year and purportedly done in either bronze or copper with gilding. This medal appears to be done as such. What is rather interesting, if compared to the image of the original strike - the 2nd strike has additional faint 'I' added in order to make it "AN II' (at the end of inscription on the obverse). Curious rim has been also added, sort of coin-like border. Diameter of the actual medal is about 31mm and with addage of the rim 33mm. Old style gilding is evident. There appear to have been number of restrikes of these medals, as early as 1880s and as late as the Philadelphia Mint in 1924. References: CNORP III, 682; Patrignani 1951, p. 55; Armand I, 226, 37; Mazio 110; Lincoln 697-9; DDL pl. XV, 8; Whitman 14. Rare medal.
Item # Vat-81 (235)
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington's Peninsular War Restitution commemorative medal. Type 'B'. Historica Medalla De Liberacion De España Y Portugal Nombrando Las Batallas De Wellington Contra Napoleon. Struck in bronze. Wellington's bust on obverse, inscribed: 'Hispaniam Et Lusitaniam Restituit Wellington'. Reverse inscribed around the rim: 'Vimiera Aug.21 1808, Talavera July 28 1809, Almeida May 5 1811'. Center inscriptions: 'Cuidad Rodrigo Jan 19 1812, Badajoz April 2 1812, Salamanca July 22 1812, Madrid Aug 12, 1812'. Original medal (copies do exist), slanted ribbing to rim. Showing age and wear. Nice example. These were made in England and distributed amongst members of Wellington's army in Spain nad Portugal. Type 'B' is harder to find (difference being reverse inscription - last line). Also, there is a mistake in the naming of the Cuidad Rodrigo (should read Ciudad Rodrigo). This was apparently rectified on the following type - the so called 'C' - which seems to be very rare. Another type is also known, with added last victory - Pampluno (spelling which is also incorrect). Yet another minor variation exists - with or without a button beneath Wellington's collar. All medals were purportedly made in Hull Lead Works by John Kirby Picard. Production is said to have stopped in October 1813. 27mm in diameter. Reference: Calvo Pasqual fig. 400. Item # Mds-32 *SOLD*
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Consignment
1856 Crimean War, Peace with Russia bronze Medal by OTTLEY. Obverse shows tanding female figure, shield at her side bearing the arms of Britain, France, Italy and Turkey. Woman is receiving sword of surrender from the kneeling figure (representing Russia). Reverse inscribed: 'The Treaty of Peace with Russia; After Two Years War; Signed At Paris; 30th March; Ratified; 28th April; 1856. Bronze, 50.2 mm dia, planchet 5mm.(Ref. Diakov -; BHM 2578, R2). Such medals in bronze are very rare, since most of those encountered are in white metal (even those are hard to find). Excellent condition, very minor wear (couple of edge dings). Nice patina, all details crisp. Would make for an excellent addition to one's collection. Item # Con-Mds-2 *SOLD*
Consignment
Victories and Conquests of France 1792-1815 medal by BARRE. Excellent condition and quality, one minor edge ding (1-2 o'clock). Medallion is beautifully detailed. Bronze, 50mm in diameter, planchet 4.5mm. Hard to find. Item # Con-Mds-1 *SOLD*
Consignment
*SOLD*
1805 Napoleon Bonaparte Coronation as King of Italy Commemorative Medal. Historically significant medallion featuring Napoleon's profile on obverse and the 'Iron Crown' of Italy to reverse with full inscription. The rarer Denon/Andrieu type. Darkened copper (or bronze with high copper content).Very good condition considering its age.
Obverse: NAPOLEON EMPEREUR.; beneath - 'DENON DIR. ANDREIU. F.'
Reverse description: ' NAPOLEON ROI D'ITALIE'; in exergue, COURONNE . A . MILAN . LE . XXIII . MAI . M.DCCCV . DENON . Dt . * JALEY . Ft .
40.2mm dia. Ref. Brambilla p.70 (type "A"); Bramsen.418. Item # Mds-31 *SOLD*
*SOLD*
Frederick V, Elector Palatine and King of Bohemia. (1596 - 1632). Son of Frederick IV. Became Elector of the Rhine Palatinate in the Holy Roman Empire upon his father's death in 1610. In 1619 the Protestant states of Bohemia rebelled against the Catholic Holy Roman Emperor (Ferdinand II) and offered the crown of Bohemia to Frederick as an influential member of the Evangelical Union, an organisation founded by his father for the protection of Protestants in the Empire. After accepting the crown he was abandoned by his allies in the Union and his brief reign as the King of Bohemia ended with his defeat at the Battle of White Mountain (1620) - only two months after his coronation - and earned him the nick name of 'the Winter King'. This defeat was followed by 1622 Imperial invasion of Frederick's Palatinate lands and he was forced to escape. He lived the rest of his life in exile with his wife and family at the Hague.
Medal commemorating His life. Bronze, maker marked with letter 'S' (under his right shoulder). Reverse inscribed in Latin: '20 Frid:IV.Fil.Nat:1596.1619 Imperii Vicarius Et Eodem Anno Rex Bohemiae.+1632'. Very good condition. 39.8mm in diameter. Hard to find medal. Item # Mds-26 (62)
Royal Air Force Rifle Association shooting medal. Awarded for second place in an apprentice's match in 1932 (engraved on the rim). Medal in copper. Obverse has RAF logo, thistle bunches to sides and crossed rifles below. Reverse is plain with laurel wreath around edge. Comes with blue velvet lined, recessed presentation case by Toye & Co. London. Medal is in great shape. Case is in fair condition. Item # Mdls-7
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington's restitution commemorative medal. Item # Mds-2. *SOLD*
Commemorative medal of J. Jacobsen, founder of the famous Carlsberg Breweries. Silver-plated on copper. Obverse has his head and dates below 1811-1887. Reverse shows small sun and swastika, hops, two dates: 10.11.1847 and 1.10.1906, Carlsberg logo to centre. Blue and red striped ribbon with horizontal pin fastener. Nice patina and good condition. Apr. 25mm diameter. Very interesting collector's piece. I am not sure if this item has any connection with the Long Service medals of the Carslberg Brewery, but it would certainly be a neat addition to such a collection. Item # Mdls-14
Austro-Hungary, WW1 Navy medallion. Dated 1914-15. Featuring Karl (son of Franz Joseph). Since Franz Joseph died in 1916, the medal was probably struck prior to this. Reverse shows seagoing battleship. Judging by the features, it is one of the dreadnought class battleships. These were the pride of the Austro-Hungarian Navy. I am unable to distinguish which of the 4 dreadnoughts (A/H navy had 4 of them) is depicted here, most likely the 'Viribus Unitis' or 'Szent Istvan'. Medallion in bronze by A. Hartig, very good detail. 60mm in diameter. Quite interesting piece pertaining to the once mighty Naval Power. Very good condition, showing age. Item # Mdls-1 *SOLD*
Czechoslovak Medal of Victory in bronze. High relief. Obverse depicts soldier tied to 2 posts decorated with snakes, swastikas and helmets. A woman and child stand to the side. A Prague Cathedral appears in the background. Below are words "Shall be free again" . The reverse shows the Czechoslovakian coat of arms, date March 15th 1939 above and "Republika Ceskoslovenska". The medal comes with letter from Mr.Prokop Havlik to Captain D.J.Dewar, dated Dec.10th 1941. The medal was evidently a Christmas gift to Capt. D.J.D. Very good condition.Medals were made on request of the Czech community in the United States. There is no information how many were made but most were struck in New York and sold to the community. Item # Mdls-5 *SOLD*
Major General Peter B. Porter Medal, 1824 Maj. Gen. Peter B. Porter was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of the gallantry and good conduct in the several conflicts of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie. Approved November 3, 1814 (3 Stat. 247) The U. S. government failed to establish a grand strategy for the War of 1812. Most of the war effort in 1812 and 1813 was expended in the West. In 1814 the war centered on the Niagara frontier. One of those who influenced the government to focus on the Niagara was Peter B. Porter. He formed a state volunteer force which aided the regular forces led by Jacob Brown. Porter was an outstanding militia leader who was involved in nearly all of the prominent battles in 1814. Commemorative medal in bronzed copper, by Moritz Furst. 64.7mm. Porter's bust to obverse. Reverse shows winged Victory holding up 3 flags: 'Erie', 'Niagara', 'Chippewa' with a figure sitting and writing. Inscription to bottom: 'Battles of Chippewa July 6. 1814, Niagara July 25 1814, Erie Sept. 17 1814'. Inscription around the top: 'Resolution of Congress November 3. 1814'. Markings: Furst. F. (to obverse and reverse). Very good condition, spotty tarnish (mainly to rim of the reverse). Light wear to high points. Great piece for the collector of War of 1812 memorabilia. Moritz Furst was born in Hungary in 1782 and studied at Vienna and Milan. In 1807, he came to the United States and was appointed Engraver at the Mint of Philadelphia, where he served from 1808 until 1838. His series of 27 medals, commemorating American successes during the war between England and the United States from 1812 to 1815, was struck by special resolution of Congress. Item # Mdls-6 *SOLD*
Earl St. Vincent, 1797 Defeat of the Spanish Fleet, commemorative medallion. White metal with silver plating worn (40-50%). Edge dings. This and #Mds9 below are evidently part of a set of medallions commemorating various military leaders and their greatest victories. 38mm dia. Item #Mds-8. *SOLD*
Marshall Count Suwarrow, 1799 French Defeated and the Passage of the Adda Forced, commemorative medallion. White metal with silver plating worn (30-40%). Edge dings. This and #Mds8 above are evidently part of a set of medallions commemorating various military leaders and their greatest victories. 38mm dia. Item #Mds-9. *SOLD*
WW1 Austro-Hungary naval commemorative medal in bronze. Obverse has gunship at sea and fine detailed rim. Reverse shows the Emperor's head, wreath, the Imperial Navy symbol and is inscribed:"1914-WELTKRIEG-1916 SMS "RADETZKY". Austro-Hungary lost its access to the Black Sea following the end of WW1, hence the Navy ceased to exist. 50mm dia. Some damage to the rim, shows wear points. Item # Mdls-15 *SOLD*
1813 Commemorative medallion of Jozef Poniatowski, Prince of Poland. Obverse shows his bust and artist name (Caunois F.) below. Reverse shows lady leaning on decorative column. Around edge written in Polish: "He lived for Country. He died for Fame." Below in smaller letters: "God has entrusted me with the honour of Poles and I return it only to Him. 19 October 1813." Medal in nicely aged bronze. Some minor edge dings. Very good condition. 42mm diameter. Item # Mdls-18 *SOLD*
Commemorative medallion of first payment to US (Louisiana) by French King Louis Philippe I. Medallion in bronze by 'Furst F'. Very attractive reverse. Inscribed: "Premier Paiement Aux Etats Unis, De L'amerique L'ordonnance 1836." Much wear and age darkening. Fair condition. 51mm diameter. Item # Mdls-19. *SOLD*
Unusual German medallion in white metal. Possibly made for a railway affiliated sporting event. Obverse shows the head and name of Paul von Breitenbach, two small iron crosses beside the name. Reverse depicts running man, holding a torch in one hand and a sword in the other. At his feet the railway logo of winged wheel on a track. All in high relief. Behind - clouds with the sun coming through and a date of 1914. Very good detail. Nice patina and no damage. 50mm diameter. Excellent collector's piece. Item # Mdls-22. *SOLD*
Vatican - Pius IX Election Commemorative Medal. White metal, approximately 60% silver plating remains. High relief, wonderfully detailed Papal coat of arms on reverse. 37mm diameter. Item #Vat-29. *SOLD*
1859 French-Sardinian Alliance Commemorative Medallion. Appears to be silver, by Caque. Features Napoleon III to obverse, full inscription to reverse. Protective clear lacquer applied by jeweller. Good condition. Shows typical wear. Very interesting piece. 50mm diameter. Item #Fra-10 *SOLD*