Baldwin's of St. James's
Auction 21 26 Sep 2018
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British Medals, George IV, Accession 1820, by Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, gilt-silver medal, laureate and draped bust turned to l., with classical armoured breast-plate, GEORGIVS IV DEI GRATIA BRITANNIARVM REX, rev. legend within an open oak wreath fastened with the national flowers – rose, thistle and shamrock, Hanoverian horse below, ACCESSIT XXIX IAN MDCCCXX, the whole within an applied and raised oak wreath border, tied with a ribbon in a bow, an Imperial Crown a top, with suspension ring attached, the whole 112 x 93.5mm. (BHM.1010, R4, this piece described in footnote and full page illustration, page 245; Eimer 1123, see footnote), London hallmark (on ribbon ties) 1820, maker's mark PR for Philip Rundell, in a maroon leather fitted case, lined with maroon silk and velvet, the medal surface matt with polished letters to the legends, truly magnificent
*bt. A. H. Baldwin, 1979
The medal is the first to incorporate the 'patriotic device' of a bouquet of England's rose, Scotland's thistle and Ireland's shamrock, a device it is believed, of the King's creation. Whilst not accepted in the true heraldic sense, the idea was indeed patriotic and was to be incorporated in many of his medallions as well as those of later monarchs. The device was used more noticeably in the State Diadem that bears the King's name and which he wore for his Coronation. This was also made by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell and likely designed by Philip Liebart
Laurence Brown (BHM) is able to quote from the accounts of Messrs. Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, and we repeat:
'1820 31st July. A large silver gilt medal on the King's Accession His Majesty's Profile on one
side & device reverse with wreath of oak & acorn chased and crown over all for Her Royal
Highness The Princess Augusta £15.15.0'.
It was paid by the Privy Purse on 12th August, 1822.
Philip Rundell (1746-1827), gold- and silversmith, founder, with the jeweller John Bridge, of Rundell and Bridge. In 1804 his nephew joined the firm and the name became Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. The firm was appointed as one of the goldsmiths and jewellers to the king in 1797 and Principal Royal Goldsmiths & Jewellers in 1804, holding the Royal Warrant until 1843. When Philip Rundell died in 1827 the value of his estate was in excess of the then ceiling figure of £1,000,000.
(5000-8000 GBP)
*bt. A. H. Baldwin, 1979
The medal is the first to incorporate the 'patriotic device' of a bouquet of England's rose, Scotland's thistle and Ireland's shamrock, a device it is believed, of the King's creation. Whilst not accepted in the true heraldic sense, the idea was indeed patriotic and was to be incorporated in many of his medallions as well as those of later monarchs. The device was used more noticeably in the State Diadem that bears the King's name and which he wore for his Coronation. This was also made by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell and likely designed by Philip Liebart
Laurence Brown (BHM) is able to quote from the accounts of Messrs. Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, and we repeat:
'1820 31st July. A large silver gilt medal on the King's Accession His Majesty's Profile on one
side & device reverse with wreath of oak & acorn chased and crown over all for Her Royal
Highness The Princess Augusta £15.15.0'.
It was paid by the Privy Purse on 12th August, 1822.
Philip Rundell (1746-1827), gold- and silversmith, founder, with the jeweller John Bridge, of Rundell and Bridge. In 1804 his nephew joined the firm and the name became Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. The firm was appointed as one of the goldsmiths and jewellers to the king in 1797 and Principal Royal Goldsmiths & Jewellers in 1804, holding the Royal Warrant until 1843. When Philip Rundell died in 1827 the value of his estate was in excess of the then ceiling figure of £1,000,000.
(5000-8000 GBP)