HMS Victory Brass Medallions
(c) Antique Metalware Society
Small extracts can be used with acknowledgements to 'Oldcopper.org' website.
Helpful comments are very welcome.
This page includes a Liverpool medallion, an 1812 halfpenny token, a 1902 Coronation commemorative and a medallion struck to commemorate the millennium in 2000.
An excellent quality copper medallion that was struck for the 'LIVERPOOL SEAMEN'S FRIEND SOCIETY', founded in 1820 for the welfare of seamen. It measures 38mm x 3.5mm thick. A criticism is that the stern castle is rather exaggerated. The obverse has a fine portrait of Lord Nelson facing left, with the legend around the top outer edge 'LIVERPOOL SEAMEN'S FRIEND SOCIETY'.
The signature is Vaughton, Birmingham and there is some thought that he did not do these medals before 1880?(TH) But, whoever did do them was at the very height of his powers, for the workmanship is quite brilliant, as can be seen in the pictures. The reverse is a stunning first rate man-o-war, with three gun decks, an exaggerated stern gallery, with sail and stunsails set, running before the wind. Around the upper outer edge is the legend 'FOR THOSE IN PERIL ON THE SEA'. And at the bottom 'FOUNDED 1820'.
HMS VICTORY PENDANT 1902, heart shaped and once silvered, it is surmounted by a crown with coronation portraits of Edward VII and Alexandra crowned 26th June 1902.
The reverse has stylised illustration of HMS Victory with 'Nelson's Celebrations' over and 'Palmam qui meruit ferat' under. The hull is lettered 'Victory' along its length. Height 40mm (1 1/2") excluding hanging loop.
Commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar, this token bears on the reverse a starboard broadside view of HMS Victory in full sail surrounded by 'British Naval Halfpenny' and the 1812 date.
The obverse bears the portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson surrounded by the message 'England expects every man to do his duty'. Diameter 29mm (1 1/8").
Millennium medallion struck in proof quality by Tower Mint of Greenwich, London in 2000 in gold plated bronze. The obverse design is by Raphael Maklouf and symbolises the interpretation of time through the ages, inspired by the historic astronomic clock at Hampton Court Palace that was built for King Henry VIII in 1540. The reverse was available in custom designs, this one being of HMS Victory, Portsmouth, England showing her with all sails furled in a calm sea. 45mm diameter (1 3/4") weight 35g.
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