Baldwin's of St. James's
Auction 57 14 Apr 2021
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The Portland Collection, Commemorative Medals, Transport: Railways, George Walter, Completion of the London and Greenwich Railway, copper medal, 1838, by J. Barber, bust of Walter l., LATE RESIDENT DIRECTOR, legend in two lines around, rev. a train crosses the London Bridge – Greenwich Railway viaduct, GREENWICH 'VIRES ACQUIRIT EUNDO', in ex. 8 line legend, 61mm. (BHM.1875, R2; Eimer 1321; Moyaux 14; Swan -), somewhat knocked and bruised, about very fine and a very rare early railway medal
Bt. Mrs I. Allen.
George Walter (1790-1854), was an entrepreneur who, in 1831, was appointed Secretary of the London & Greenwich Railway, becoming Resident [Managing] Director in 1835. At that time, the London Bridge – Greenwich Railway Viaduct, seen on the medal's reverse, was close to completion. And the railway would be the first to run into London. Even so, the finances were not healthy and raising of additional finance depressed the share price. Walter resigned his directorship in July 1837, hence 'The Late Resident Director' of the medal. The 3½ mile viaduct, with just under 880 arches, is the longest run of arches in Great Britain and also one of the oldest railway viaducts in the world. It is also the earliest example of an entirely elevated railway line. It well deserves its place on the medal.
Bt. Mrs I. Allen.
George Walter (1790-1854), was an entrepreneur who, in 1831, was appointed Secretary of the London & Greenwich Railway, becoming Resident [Managing] Director in 1835. At that time, the London Bridge – Greenwich Railway Viaduct, seen on the medal's reverse, was close to completion. And the railway would be the first to run into London. Even so, the finances were not healthy and raising of additional finance depressed the share price. Walter resigned his directorship in July 1837, hence 'The Late Resident Director' of the medal. The 3½ mile viaduct, with just under 880 arches, is the longest run of arches in Great Britain and also one of the oldest railway viaducts in the world. It is also the earliest example of an entirely elevated railway line. It well deserves its place on the medal.