Lot 3712

Description

London Christ Hospital School badge, 1673, uniface in thin silver plate (79mm), by John Roettier, with four pierced holes at edge for sewing to uniform, obverse, figures of Arithmetic holding a tablet and her left hand resting on a boy's head (a Bluecoat boy), Mathematics holding a triangle and compasses, and Astronomy holding an armillary sphere, above on clouds is the infant Fame blowing a trumpet and a cherub holding a caduceus, and Zephyrs blow a favourable wind upon ships at the bottom left, above the legend, 'AVSPICIO CAROL SECVNDI.REGIS.1673' (Under the auspices of King Charles II). Very fine.

These badges were sewn to the coats of the 40 mathematical students of the nautical school known as the Royal Mathematical Foundation, established within Christ's Hospital School (the Bluecoat School) in 1672. The design is based on the reverse of the mathematical school foundation medal also by Roettier.