BRITISH COMMEMORATIVE MEDALS - Baldwin's

1690 Hugh Percy, First Duke of Northumberland (1714-1786), restoration of Alnwick Castle, 1766, J Kirk’s
medal reproduced in black basalt (almost certainly by Wedgwood), bust right, rev the Castle, 40mm
(cf BHM 106; Eimer 717). Very fine and a rare survivor. £60-80
1691 William Beckford (1705-1770), twice Lord Mayor of London, Death 1770, Silver Medal, unsigned,
bewigged bust right wearing gown and chain of office, rev Justice, holding scales and Liberty Cap
on staff, seated on books, one the ‘MAGNA CARTA’, 35mm (BHM 142, R 3 ). Very fine, metal flaw within
exergue on the reverse, extremely rare as a silver medal. £250-350
The medal has a connection with Jamaica as Beckford, whose father was Governor of the Island, was born there and his later
wealth derived from his inherited plantations there. Beckford was a famous supporter of John Wilkes, and the words of his
outspoken reproof to George III, on the occasion of the City of London address to the king in 1770, are inscribed in gilt on
his monument in the Guildhall. He was the builder of Fonthill Splendens [later Fonthill Abbey], and father of the profligate
William Thomas Beckford.
1692 George III, Indian Chiefs’ Medal in Silver, c.1776, bust of the King right, wearing armour with seven
rivets above sash, his hair tied in queue, GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA, rev the Royal Arms crowned within
Garter, lion and unicorn supporters, 78mm, original decorated suspension loop (Adams 7.3; Jamieson
fig.18; Eimer 736; Reford 113). Very fine or nearly so, graffiti “No” below bust, has been cleaned at some distant
time, traces of usual small die flaws through cravat and from rose to edge on reverse, rare. £3500-4500
bought Spink, c.1973
ex Bowers & Merena, 29 November – 1 December 2001, lot 5136