Lot 3396

Description

Germany, commemorating the Battle of Hochstadt (Battle of Blenheim), 1704, Battle of Blenheim, between John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, 1650-1722 with the Holy Roman Empire's Prince Eugene of Savoy, against the forces of France, Wooden medal, 65mm, 16mm thick, (36.48g), with 10 minature portraits of rulers in Europe on one side, and busts of Prince Eugene and John Churchill in shiels above the battle scene below. Extremely fine, very unusual and very rare.

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 75 (lot 2518).

A major battle in the War of Spanish Succession, The Battle of Blenheim (also known as the Second Battle of Hochstadt) saw the decisive defeat of the forces of France and the Electorate of Bavaria by the allied powers of England, Denmark, the Dutch Republic, and the Holy Roman Empire. The two leading commanders of the latter's forces were England's John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, and the Holy Roman Empire's Prince Eugene of Savoy, both astute in their tactical approach. Through their combined efforts, they saved the Habsburg Empire, and the Grand Alliance as a whole, from collapse. Following the battle, the Duke was greatly rewarded by Anne, receiving Blenheim Palace as a gift from his grateful nation. This home later served as the birthplace and ancestral home of future Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Having become close friends during the battle, the two strategists joined forces once again in another important battle between the same two forces at the Battle of Malplaquet, also a victory for the allied forces.