Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction 22-26 Aug 2022
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GREAT BRITAIN. Uniface Barton's Metal Reverse Crown Pattern, 1837. London Mint. William IV. PCGS PROOF-63.
ESC-2471 (R6); Linecar and Stone-12. By Merlin and Wyon. An incredibly interesting and SUPREMELY RARE pattern reverse for a proposed Crown of William IV, this piece provides an intriguing story and copious aesthetic draw. Designed by Jean Baptiste Merlin, the intricate coat-of-arms presents splendid details, with a precision that would impress a Dutch master. Only the reverse was stuck, being produced on a planchet of "Barton's Metal", gold sheet fused to a copper base. A similar reverse design to the present example was struck in lead, differing on the account of a missing final two digits of the date and lacking a central shield of Hannover. On that lead trial, Wyon's handwriting is present on the periphery, with the notation "Merlen's crown good, but too good, too high L.C.W."
ESC-2471 (R6); Linecar and Stone-12. By Merlin and Wyon. An incredibly interesting and SUPREMELY RARE pattern reverse for a proposed Crown of William IV, this piece provides an intriguing story and copious aesthetic draw. Designed by Jean Baptiste Merlin, the intricate coat-of-arms presents splendid details, with a precision that would impress a Dutch master. Only the reverse was stuck, being produced on a planchet of "Barton's Metal", gold sheet fused to a copper base. A similar reverse design to the present example was struck in lead, differing on the account of a missing final two digits of the date and lacking a central shield of Hannover. On that lead trial, Wyon's handwriting is present on the periphery, with the notation "Merlen's crown good, but too good, too high L.C.W."
The eventual rejection of this proposed design should come as no surprise, given the incredible complexity that must have been required to engrave and strike just the few trial pieces known to exist. English Silver Coinage records one example of the aforementioned lead trial along with two examples of the present type. The gold sheet is not showing any breaks, and a handsome, shining luster bounds off the surfaces. Very little evidence of handling presents on this amazing and engaging piece. To view all items from the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection, click here.
From the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection.
Ex: Sotheby's (2/1986) Lot # 237.
Ex: H. M. Lingford Collection (Glendining - 10/1950) Lot # 541.
Estimate: $3000 - $6000