Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
August 2016 Hong Kong Auction - Sess. A-D 15-17 August 2016
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
THAILAND. King Rama V First Tour of Europe Medal, RS 116 (1897). By Henri Auguste Jules Patey (Paris). Rama V (1868-1910).
50.5 mm; 65.47 gms. Forrer-Vol. IV pg. 425; Medals of the Rattanakosin Era-pg. 88/9. Original strike in silver. Bust of King Rama V in military dress facing right, legend around; Reverse: Six line inscription with date below. Edge inscription stamped by hand of MONNAIE DE PARIS - ARGENT. This medal was struck to commemorate King Rama V's first visit to Europe from April 7-December 16, which also happened to be the first time any monarch from Thailand had visited Europe. The honor of designing this medal was given to Henri Auguste Jules Patey, the Chief Engraver at the Paris Mint. Remarkably, Patey was able to complete his initial portrait of the king after only one sitting. The original portrait by Patey was designed in wax from which a plaster mold was made. Using a plaster negative with graphite coating, an electroformed copper negative was made. This negative would have been the prototype used by the reduction machine to produce the 50 mm medal. After the dies were completed a proof of the medal was presented to the king for examination. Pleased with the work, the king ordered a second production of the medal in 30 mm to be used as an order or decoration. The piece is exceptionally well preserved, with minor evidence of handling but no significant marks or abrasions. A highly desirable piece, especially in silver, and one that is sure to spark spirited competition for ownership. EXTREMELY FINE.
Estimate: $1500.00- $2000.00
50.5 mm; 65.47 gms. Forrer-Vol. IV pg. 425; Medals of the Rattanakosin Era-pg. 88/9. Original strike in silver. Bust of King Rama V in military dress facing right, legend around; Reverse: Six line inscription with date below. Edge inscription stamped by hand of MONNAIE DE PARIS - ARGENT. This medal was struck to commemorate King Rama V's first visit to Europe from April 7-December 16, which also happened to be the first time any monarch from Thailand had visited Europe. The honor of designing this medal was given to Henri Auguste Jules Patey, the Chief Engraver at the Paris Mint. Remarkably, Patey was able to complete his initial portrait of the king after only one sitting. The original portrait by Patey was designed in wax from which a plaster mold was made. Using a plaster negative with graphite coating, an electroformed copper negative was made. This negative would have been the prototype used by the reduction machine to produce the 50 mm medal. After the dies were completed a proof of the medal was presented to the king for examination. Pleased with the work, the king ordered a second production of the medal in 30 mm to be used as an order or decoration. The piece is exceptionally well preserved, with minor evidence of handling but no significant marks or abrasions. A highly desirable piece, especially in silver, and one that is sure to spark spirited competition for ownership. EXTREMELY FINE.
Estimate: $1500.00- $2000.00