Baldwin's of St. James's
Auction 55 17 Feb 2021
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British Medals, 'Billy and Charleys', a pair of small lead 'antique' medallions, c.1860s, each with knight's head right, revs. a bearded King; bird with two keys, integral suspension loops, 83-84mm., fine and very fine (2)
Ex Baldwin's vault
Billy - William Smith - and Charley - Charles Eaton (c.1834-1870), were a couple of Thames mudlarks who, between 1856-1870, made many fanciful 'medieval' medallions and pilgrims' badges and other objects. They sold their 'Shadwell Shams' into the ever-growing collectors' market, a market that was totally unaware that they came from a little workshop in Rosemary Lane, close to the Royal Mint.
Ex Baldwin's vault
Billy - William Smith - and Charley - Charles Eaton (c.1834-1870), were a couple of Thames mudlarks who, between 1856-1870, made many fanciful 'medieval' medallions and pilgrims' badges and other objects. They sold their 'Shadwell Shams' into the ever-growing collectors' market, a market that was totally unaware that they came from a little workshop in Rosemary Lane, close to the Royal Mint.