Watch List notes:

European Medals from 1513 to 1788

Netherlands, The Dutch Republic. Medal (Silver, 47.5mm, 47.06 g 12), marriage medal for a member of the Beyerman family of Rotterdam, by Christoffel Adolphi, undated but c. 1667. PRÆSIDE COELESTI HALITU LUCEQUE BEATUM (=Happiness with the protection of the light and spirit of heaven) Under the name of Jehovah (in Hebrew) within rays, the standing figures of the Bride and Groom facing each other; between them, engraved and filled with niello, arms of the Beyerman family; in exergue, C A. Rev. Bar-Chus amygdalinis Lyfæ fit amabilis ulnis. Pace et Amore duo concrescunt in unum (=Bitter wine turns sweet in the arms of Lysea. By peace and love two hearts grow together) Two Turtledoves cooing together in a bower of roses and grape vines, all entwined with olive wreaths. Bemolt Type B5. JMP 65-66, blz. 112. A splendidly struck, sharp, lightly toned and fresh piece. Of especial interest thanks to the added engraving. Some very minor marks, otherwise, good extremely fine.

The Beyerman family were prominent Rotterdam Remonstrants who were ship-owners involved in whaling, broking and the wine trade with Bordeaux. Since whaling was primarily only carried out from May to September, after the ships returned with their loads of whale-oil tuns (233 litres each) they would be cleaned out and repaired, and then used for the wine trade! They would sail down to Bordeaux and come back loaded with barriques (c. 220 litres).