Lot 1145

Description

Charles II, Reward for Services, uniface halves of gilt medal on copper, probably by Heinrich Reitz, early 19th century electrotypes from original made 1660, 74mm, (102 and 73.6 grams), obv. Charles II bust facing slightly to right, rev. three crowns in wreath, (MI 36, illustrated plate XLII, 1). Cased with some dark spots on the gilding on both halves, otherwise nearly extremely fine and rare even as an electrotype.

Ex. I.S. Wright. The original medal struck in gold was unique, it was cast and chased. Hawkins relates that the original was presented to a Scottish gentleman and then sold in 1820 to a Mr. Whiteaves and then purchased by Lord Ashbrook, who sold it to the British Museum. Electrotypes have been made late in the 19th century of this and other medals and this although cased is probably one of those issues.