Lot 662

Description

The Old Price Riots, John Bull on an ass with Kemble's face, from N to O Jack you must go in silvered tin, obverse only (42mm) (D&W.17/185;M.G.-). Medalets in gilt copper, silvered copper and copper (25mm) Kemble wearing fool's cap reverse OP - Clifford for Ever, two different obverse and reverse dies (D&W.17/186 (6, 5 exhibit reverse die fracture from 11 to 8 o'clock other is struck with dies inverted) D&W.17/187 (2)) only four of the eight are pierced for suspension, undated but issued 1809. Fine-extremely fine, the first very rare. (9)

All except the last two from Schwer in 1984. Kemble's new theatre involved a costly tier of expensive private boxes so prices for ordinary boxes and other sections were raised. Riots broke out, Clifford brought a successful action against a boxkeeper who assaulted him for wearing an OP badge in his hat. At a dinner to celebrate this victory a compromise with Kemble was made.