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The Liverpool Collection of historical and prize medals

 

Political 19th century

      1.           General Gascoyne/Town & Trade of Liverpool political medal General Isaac Gascoyne, represented Liverpool as MP from 1796, spoke out in Parliament against the abolition of the African Slave Trade (1805) and was anti-Reform, protesting that there was no corruption in Liverpool (Reform Bill of 1831) and no need for a reduction in English parliamentary seats.  Rare.  WM48mm. pierced F

sold

 

      2.           1806 Royal Liverpool Volunteers silver medal All engraved:  Arms of the company.  Reverse:  Crown, then, Lieut. Colonel Bolton to Corporal Stubbs for his faithful services August 25th 1806 Silver gilt 40mm.  ex. Glendinning’s lot 238, 5 July 1995. F

400

 

      3.           Repeal of the Orders in Council of 1807 advocated -1812  Henry Brougham Esq. MP white metal medal by Halliday. In 1812 the laws were repealed insisting American vessels come first to British ports where they were taxed before sailing on to France.  Also in 1812 Brougham failed to be elected as a Whig MP for Liverpool in this year.  Rev. text: “Of commerce, the enlightened friend; of National Integrity, the virtuous, eloquent, and d undaunted, supporter.”  WM48mm pierced for wearing as a political badge.  BHM 747  rare VF

sold

 

      4.           Repeal of the Orders in Council of 1807 advocated -1812  Henry Brougham Esq. MP bronze medal by Halliday.  Another example but bronze AE48mm BHM 747  rare EF

190

 

      5.           Assassination of Rt. Hon. Spencer Perceval, Chancellor of the Exchequer rev. “He lived beloved and lamented fell” around his tomb on which stands a grieving Britannia , broken column, “Assassinated May 11 1812”  medallist WTF.  Perceval is the only British Prime Minister to have been assassinated – killed by Bellingham, who was bankrupted through trade in Russia (scene shown in vignette on medal).  Rare and collectable in spite of its condition BHM729  WM49 by ? W. Turnpenny & Kempson & Son nF

70

 

      6.           Liverpool silver Election ticket 1816 named Jn o Starkie “one of the Independent Minority 738 who voted for Thos. Leyland Esq. at the Liverpool Election 1816.  Obverse Liver bird - Liverpool be free AR37mm pierced  VF

200

 

      7.           Liverpool silver Election ticket 1816 named J Mathers  one of the Independent Minority 738 who voted for Thos. Leyland Esq. at the Liverpool Election 1816.  Obverse Liver bird - Liverpool be free.  Maker, Halliday.  AR37mm pierced  VF

180

 

      8.           1827 Death of George Canning bronze commemorative by Stothard after Chantrey, published by Parker.  Reverse a broken column with scroll and young woman neo-classically dressed with pen “To Great Men  AE62mm  Canning was MP for Liverpool 1812-1823, also Foreign Minister and shortest reigning Prime Minister. BHM 1303 EF

sold

 

      9.           1827 Death of Rt. Hon. George Canning bronze commemorative born 1771; rev. text “Died at Chiswick the seat of the Duke of Devonshire August the 8th 1827”  AE46mm BHM 1304 VF

45

 

  10.           1827 Death of Rt. Hon. George Canning brass token portrait left: rev. “The Friend of Rational Freedom” Willow, urn, tablet: Born 1771 Died Aug 8 1827.  Br.24mm bright  BHM 1307 gEF

10

 

  11.           1827 Death of Rt. Hon. George Canning brass token  portrait right; rev. “The Friend of Civil & Religious Freedom” within wreath: “Born 1771 Died Aug 8 1827”  Br. 26mm. BHM 1306 VF

10

 

  12.           1827 Death of Rt. Hon. George Canning bronze commemorative by Gallé;  French medal  rev. text refers to his politics and Catholic Emancipation: “La Concorde des Peuples, Liberte Civile et religieuse dans l’univers” (Peace among Men, universal civil and religious liberty)  AE 51mm high relief portrait VF

40

 

  13.           William Huskisson bronze commemorative  portrait of the Tory politician; reverse text “The successful vindicator of his own enlightened system of commercial policy, he lived to triumph over prejudice and to found a lasting fame.  AE62mm. BHM1447 by Clint.EF
Note: Huskisson 1770-1830  British politician, financier, supporter of free trade and one-time MP for Liverpool best known for being the first ever railway fatality, knocked down by George Stephenson’s “Rocket” locomotive during the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester railroad.  

sold

 

  14.           Opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railroad Sep.15. 1830 white metal medal; view over the Sankey Canal & Valley, with train on viaduct; entrance to the Liverpool Station and Tunnels – with pedestrians on the tracks. Publisher T Woolfield Bazaar Liverpool. Pierced, maker Halliday WM48mm. BHM 1458 gVF

80

 

   15.           Opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railroad Sep.15. 1830 G Stephenson Esq. Engineer white metal medal by Ottley, Birmingham. View of the Sankey Viaduct and Valley; rev. text”… opened September 15 1830 in the presence of his grace the Duke of Wellington…” WM44mm BHM 1461 VF

80

 

   16.           Opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railroad Sep.15. 1830portrait of Geo. Stephenson Esq. Engineer (bareheaded); rev. Bridge at Newton with train going over the viaduct.  WM46mm. by ? T Halliday BHM 1459 edge bruised but does not detract  Scarce VF

120

 

  17.           (1831) William Roscoe 1753-1831 commemorative white metal medal “The Friend of Humanity and Freedom.  The Enlightened Advocate of Peace” maker initials P. W. F. under bust.  Reverse:  symbols to sum up his many interests - lyre for the arts, an open book, a revolutionary cap, a trumpet for Fame, the mountain for his hard work and Pegasus for inspiration.  WM52mm some imperfections on rim, by P Wyon.`BHM 618  Rare gVF

Note: Roscoe was a poet, MP for Liverpool, abolitionist of slavery, political reformer, historian, attorney, dissenter and Unitarian, and through his charities benefactor of Liverpool.  His collections of books and drawings are now in the Liverpool Library and the Walker Art Gallery.  He pioneered the Liverpool Academy (later became the Institute) and the Botanic Gardens. 

sold

 

  18.           J Bolton Esq Waterloo Estate 1835 school prize medal white metal; portrait of the benefactor with wreath decoration; rev. within wreath A Reward for Good Behaviour  WM52mm.nEF

Note: John Bolton 1756-1837 was a Liverpool Merchant who made his money in the West Indies (1770’s-1790) on the back of the slave trade, and raised at his own expense in 1803 the First Battalion of the Liverpool Volunteers. A Tory, he supported Canning and Huskisson.  He purchased Storrs Hall on Windermere and built a new school at Bowness which opened in 1836.

sold

 

  19.           1837 Lime Street Railway Station - Opening of the Grand Junction  Railway, July 4th W B Promoli, late Thos Woolfield, Church Street Liverpool, white metal commemorative medal.  View of the Grand Façade of the New Railway Station Liverpool.  Rev. Viaduct over the valley of the Weaver. By Halliday  WM 55mm  BHM 1788 Taylor 113b  The building was demolished to make way for an hotel in 1870. gVF

80

 

  20.           (1837) Roman Catholic Total Abstinence Association  medal by Davis, Birmingham.  Sobriety and Domestic Comfort personified supporting Catholic church symbol and children; rev. cross with total abstinence pledge (except when used medicinally)  WM47mm. pierced gVF

sold

 

  21.           Chun Ah-You of the Chinese Collection “now exhibiting in Liverpool” very rare medal advertising “the celebrated Chinese Collection (from Hyde Park Corner) visited by the Queen, the Queen Dowager and all the Royal Family” (1842)  Note: the collection was made by Philadelphia trader Nathan Dunn, first exhibited in 1839 then brought to London where it was one of the first exhibitions in Hyde Park (in a pagoda).  It then went back to the USA, and was brought back again in 1851 for the Great Exhibition but sold at Christies. WM48mm. some scratches BHM 2107 VF

sold

 

  22.           1843 Opening of Collegiate Institution Liverpool commemorative medal. View of the façade of the building; Established MDCCCLIII (1843) for sound learning & religious education; rev. reference to laying of the foundation stone in 1840 by Lord Stanley MP, Patron and opening in 1843.  Simple badge of the Institution below with palms.  Great condition for this metal WM 53mm. BHM 2122 by Ottley small edge knock EF

50

 

  23.           Birkenhead Docks First stone laid 23 Oct 1844 bronze commemorative medal, with lots of information (see photo).  The local MP, Sir Philip Egerton for Chester South laid the first stone and Rendel was the engineer.  The reverse lists the commissioners of the Birkenhead Docks headed by John Laird. AE 64.5mm (Thomason style manufacture)  BHM-  nEF

120

 

  24.           Birkenhead Docks First stone laid 23 Oct 1844 white metal commemorative medal, with lots of information (see photo).  The local MP, Sir Philip Egerton for Chester South laid the first stone and Rendel was the engineer.  The reverse lists the commissioners of the Birkenhead Docks headed by John Laird. WM 64.5mm (Thomason style manufacture)  BHM- nEF

60

 

  25.           St Mary’s Catholic Church & Schools Liverpool bronze medal in gratitude for his services as a collector (not named) Church opened 19 August 1845 Schools opened 12 Febry 1844; interior of St Mary’s Church; AE45mm. Taylor 149a  Architect AWN Pugin EF

sold

 

  26.           Royal Visit to Liverpool 30th July 1846 medal portrait heads by Davis of Victoria & Albert within a flower border; rev. Prince Albert enthroned receiving homage of Liverpool mayor, clerics & worthies WM44mm.  cf BHM2225  very rare VF

50

 

  27.           Albert Dock Liverpool opened July 30th 1846  by HRH Prince Albert  medal, by Davis.  Bare-headed portrait heads left of Victoria & Albert; rev. view of steamship in the dock with small boats and crowds on the quayside.  WM43mm. pierced gEF

80

 

  28.           - Albert Dock Liverpool opened July 30th 1846  by HRH Prince Albert  variant medal, by Davis.  Bare-headed portrait heads left of Victoria & Albert within flower border (as BHM2256) ; rev. view of steamship in the dock with small boats and crowds on the quayside.  WM43mm. pierced gF

60

 

  29.           1846 Sailors Home Liverpool Foundation Stone Laid by Prince Albert 31st July 1846  bronze medal Head of Albert right; rev. view of the proposed building.  Obverse impaired VF/reverse EF AE52mm. BHM 2249 VF

75

 

  30.           1846 Sailors Home Liverpool Foundation Stone Laid by Prince Albert 31st July 1846  white metal medal Head of Albert right; rev. view of the proposed building.  Pierced WM52mm  BHM 2249 T159 nEF

30

 

   31.           1846 Sailors Home Liverpool Foundation Stone Laid by Prince Albert 31st July 1846  white metal medal Head of Albert right; rev. view of the proposed building.  Pierced WM43mm (smaller size) by Mayer Taylor 159b

25

 

  32.           1846 Sailors Home Liverpool Foundation Stone Laid by Prince Albert 31st July 1846 bronzed white metal medal Head of Albert left; rev. view of the proposed building.  Pierced WM43mm (smaller size) by Allen & Moore, Birmingham bronzed WM44mm. some corrosion  BHM 2245 T159a rare VF

25

 

  33.           1847 Birkenhead Commissioners Docks Opened by Viscount Morpeth MP, 5th April 1847.  Sailing clipper with devise Ships, Colonies and Commerce; rev. reference to laying of foundation stone by Sir Philip De M Egerton MP 23rd Octr.1844  Water Space of Docks 207 acres, J M Rendell Esq FRS Engineer – wreath & shield  WM53mm  reverse some dark stains  BHM2286 VF

65

 

  34.           1849 Liverpool Fancy Fair commemorative medal  white metal, Mayoralty of John Bramley-Moore Esq. arms of Liverpool; rev. text  explains that the fair was “held in the Prince’s Park for the benefit of the Infirmary Northern & Southern Hospitals, Liverpool, 8th 9th & 10th August 1849”  BHM2360 by Allen & Moore WM 44mm  BHM 2360 nEF

40

 

  35.           1849 Liverpool Fancy Fair commemorative medal  silver , Mayoralty of John Bramley-Moore Esq. arms of Liverpool; rev. text  explains that the fair was “held in the Prince’s Park for the benefit of the Infirmary Northern & Southern Hospitals, Liverpool, 8th 9th & 10th August 1849” Engraved on edge REALIZED NETT 9503.6.2. Miss Emma Hargrave Wraith (Gothic script) BHM2360 by Allen & Moore AR 45mm  unrecorded in BHM in this metal     Rare EF

sold

 

  36.           1851 Visit of Queen Victoria and HRH Prince Albert to Liverpool October 9 commemorative medal, bareheaded portraits left by Heaton of Victoria & Albert, rev. text WM38mm  BHM2412 VF

30

 

  37.           1851 Visit of Her Majesty and Royal Consort Prince Albert to Liverpool October 9 commemorative medal, bareheaded portraits left by Halliday of Victoria & Albert, rev. text & arms of Liverpool WM45mm pierced EF

30

 

  38.           - another example, but with red, white & blue ribbon dark patina WM 45mm pierced VF

20

 

  39.           1851 Visit of Her Majesty and Royal Consort Prince Albert to Liverpool and Manchester October, large format by Ottley, Birmingham.  Head of Victoria right, within wreath; rev. shields of Liverpool & Manchester with radiated crown above within wreath, text.  WM74mm.  dark patina BHM 2413 gVF

55

 

  40.           1851 St George’s Hall Liverpool Opened Oct 9 1851 by Her Majesty Queen Victoria view of the façade of the building; portrait bust of HRH Prince Albert Born  August 26 1819 Married Feb 10 1840, pierced WM30mm  rare F

25

 

   41.           1860 William Brown – Opening of Liverpool Museum and Library silver medal by J Mayer, portrait of the benefactor; reverse a view of the neo-classical building, “erected and presented to the people for a free public library and museum, opened XVIII October MDCCCLX Thomas D Anderson Mayor”;  as BHM 2690 but silver, AR45mm Rare VF

110

 

  42.           1860 William Brown – Opening of Liverpool Museum and Library bronze medal by J Mayer, portrait of the benefactor; reverse a view of the neo-classical building, “erected and presented to the people for a free public library and museum, opened XVIII October MDCCCLX Thomas D Anderson Mayor”;  BHM 2690 but silver, AE45mm VF

45

 

  43.           1860 William Brown struck cliché of the obverse of the same medal.  Mounted on a brass blank disc 51mm. VF

20

 

  44.           Marriage of the Prince of Wales to Alexandra of Denmark 1863 conjoined portraits left by Park, Liverpool; rev. text with dates of birth and marriage, pierced WM32mm. EF

20

 

  45.           Persia” Atlantic International Club – New York April 20th Liverpool April 30th 1864  souvenir medal of the crossing eastbound which may have been in contention for the Blue Riband again.  Note: Built in Glasgow on the Clyde by Napier in 1855, this first iron steamship of the Cunard line, the mail packet Persia, crossed the Atlantic is just over 9 days in 1856 winning “the Blue Riband” in the process. WM53mm corroded  not recorded F

80

 

  46.           1868 Rev. Canon Knox 40th anniversary as Incumbent at Birkenhead; portrait facing of the minister, reverse text,  maker Bevan Birkenhead WM51mm. nEF

60

 

  47.           Liverpool Southern Hospital Grand Fancy Fair Sefton Park May 1872 text; obv. His Royal Highness Prince Arthur WM32mm EF

sold

 

  48.           S(amuel) Plimsoll House of Commons 22 July 1875 London , portrait left rev. “Coffin ship” with skull & crossbones.  Note: Liberal MP for Derby, Plimsoll drew attention to losses of overloaded and unseaworthy ships, causing the deaths of many sailors, migrants and passengers, and a very serious disruption to trade; the date is that of the passing of the United Kingdom Merchant Shipping Act which made the load line mark (or Plimsoll line) compulsory.  BHM 3015 Brass 25mm. nEF

18

 

  49.           1879 William Ewart Gladstone Aet 70 (aged 70) celebrations; portrait of the politician  by LC Wyon after Hunt & Roskell; rev. within wreath date 29th December 1879 Liverpool BHM 3054  AE44mm.  A grand reception was held on this day for the Grand Old Man. Corrosion stain VF

30

 

  50.           c. 1880s St George’s Hall/Liverpool Exchange photographs in a glazed locket; a souvenir of Liverpool.  Metal surround, 21mm.  glass cracked one side, otherwise intact VF

sold

 

  51.           Prince & Princess of Wales visit to Liverpool and Opening of the New North Dock September 8th, 1881 Advertising medal for Best Evening and Largest Weekly Paper.   The Evening ½ Albion 1d Weekly, by Lewis, WM 33mm pierced  extremely rare gVF

sold

 

  52.           1885  Gladstone & Salisbury Prime Ministers bronze commemorative medal by Oldacre & Co, London.  Portrait of the Rt. Hon. W E Gladstone M.P on one side, and the The Most Hon. The Marquis of Salisbury K.C. on the other.  BHM3190 AE 32mm  rare type nVF

25

 

  53.           ?1885 William Ewart Gladstone portrait medal pierced white metal;  portrait left with Born 1809 under bust; rev. Peace, Retrenchment and Reform  An axe taken to the living oak within a shield,  design no. 10421, pierced for wearing.   WM 38mm.  Scarce VF

35

 

  54.           1886 Opening of the Mersey Tunnel by HRH Prince & Princess of Wales January portraits left of Prince & Princess; rev. text.  Pierced WM 34mm dark patina, rare but metal soft so condition poor VG

sold

 

  55.           Lewis’s Great Eastern Exhibition Liverpool 1886 white metal commemorative medal; view of the steamship with masts of the Great Eastern at sea.  WM32mm pierced, some knocks although no wear so VF
   Note: Originally called Leviathan and designed by Brunel, it was launched in 1858 (after a false start) and destined for the Far Eastern trade. But it was too big, had too many problems and was modified to become a telegraph cable laying vessel.  Lewis was a Liverpool draper and leased the ship in 1886 from the Great Eastern Steamship Company, using it as an amusement site in Liverpool with exhibitions and restaurants.  It went to the scrap yard in 1889.   It remained the largest steamship in the world until the end of the century.

sold

 

  56.           - Lewis’s Great Eastern Exhibition Liverpool 1886 brass with anchor pin suspender Br. 32mm. nVF

sold

 

  57.           1886 Opening of the Liverpool International Exhibition by Her Majesty Queen Victoria brass royal commemorative 8 pointed star.  Queen’s head right with lace cap rev. text Brass 36mm overall, pierced gVF

sold

 

  58.           1886 Opening of International Exhibition of Navigation, Travelling, Commerce & Manufactures Liverpool by HM Queen Victoria Gilt medal with Elkington’s portrait of the queen; rev. symbols to represent Liverpool and global commerce.  Gilt AE51mm. nEF

sold

 

  59.           1886 The International Exhibition Opened by HM The Queen Liverpool  lighthouse; obv. Victoria - small crown with lace veil, pierced WM32mm nEF

sold

 

  60.           1887 Golden Jubilee Queen Victoria, rev. Liver bird within wreath City of Liverpool  James Poole Esquire, Mayor, pierced WM32mm. nEF

sold

 

  61.           1889 Golden Wedding of W E Gladstone MP & Mrs Gladstone bronze medal their portraits facing; reverse conjoined hands on ring of entwined ivy and roses “in commemoration of the golden wedding day July 25th 1839-1889.  AE 60mm. nEF

80

 

  62.           Robert Henry Lundie, D.D. born 1824 Died 1895, high relief portrait of the minister;  silver prize medal “for thoughtful study concerning the life and duties of the citizen” to Constance A Harris 1920 engraved on edge, arms of Liverpool, AR51mm. boxed, Rare.EF
Note: Presbyterian minister at St Andrews Birkenhead, Rock Ferry and Farfield from a long line of Scottish ministers.  Twice Moderator of the English Presbyterian Church.  His stepfather Rev. Duncan was the founder of savings banks.  He was active in war against intoxicants, i.e. temperance movement, president of the Vigilance Committee and secretary of the Liverpool YWCA.

125

 

  63.           Birkenhead 1897 medal for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee diademed head short veil as 1887 portrait; rev. Britannia with lion, vignettes of the queen 1837, with Albert 1840, and 1887 Golden jubilee head.  WM38mm pierced with extra gilt metal hanger named Birkenhead 1897 (this rare) EF

20

 

  64.           New Brighton Tower - medal for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee 1897 old head veiled portrait left The Longest reign in England; rev. view of the New Brighton Tower, the Highest Structure in England.  (It had the world’s largest stage at the time and one of the largest ballrooms; destroyed by fire in 1969, the area is now River View Park housing estate on the Wirral) Aluminium 38mm pierced VF

45

 

  65.           St Helens Diamond Jubilee 1897 Restall portrait as 1887, rev. arms of the County Borough of St Helens, Richard Pilkington Mayor.  WM39mm battered gF

sold

 

  66.           Victoria Queen & Empress  Liverpool commemorative 60 years 1837-1897; portrait of Victoria small crown rev. arms of Liverpool pierced blue white red ribbon, dates on bar (gilt).  FTR maker/Elkington.  WM37mm. VF

sold

 

  67.           (1898) Rt Hon. W.E. Gladstone, commemorative medal; born Dec. 29th 1809 Died May 19 1898 around portrait head of the politician in old age; rev. wreath of myrtle, medallist not known.  Not named. AE 44mm nEF

45

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