AUCTION CATALOGUES. Cos. Dublin & Meath, a collection including: - Old Bridge Ho., Drogheda, Gunne 1984, for Mrs D.H. Coddington. - Rockfield, Kells, HOK 1999, for A. Cameron. - Garretstown House., Dunshaughlin, Mealy 1999, for Prince& Princess Guirey, important paintings etc., profusely illus. - Rosenberg, Silchester Rd., Glenageary, HOK 1989, for Mrs. Arthur Williams. - Swynnerton, Brighton Rd., Foxrock, HOK 1988. - Bohomer, St. Doulagh's, Malahide Rd., HOK 1988. - Cuilin, Alleys River Rd., Old Conna, HOK 1991, for execs. Paul Campbell, well illus. - The Old Glebe, Newcastle, HOK 1989 - The Orchard, Shankill, H&H, for W.J.B. MacAuley, objects d'art, outstanding silver. - Town & Country Estates, Dublin, Old Master Paintings, 1960. - 62 Fitzwilliam Sq., Osborne King & Megran, 1966, for Kathleen Kennedy. - Howth Ho., Howth, Ganly Walters 1989, for execs Wm. Ruttle. - Glencullen Ho., Kilternan, Adams 1995, for Christopher Fitz-Simon. - 24 Fitzwilliam Sq., HOK 1996, for Michael Ramsden (Saskia Antiques), well illus. - The Collection of Knollys Stokes, HOK 1998, well illus. As a collection, w.a.f. (1)
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*Italy, Pseudo-Fra Antonio da Brescia, Apollo and Python, bronze plaquette (early 16th century), naked Apollo holding bow and standing facing, his left arm resting on a tree stump from which hangs his quiver; at his feet the dead serpent/dragon Python; in the background, a landscape with trees and a ruined tower, 66.4mm (Molinier 119; Bange 642; Kress 187 and fig. 236; Warren, Ashmolean Museum Plaquetttes, 333), small piercing at top, an extremely fine contemporary cast with brown patina (the reverse with collectors’ numbers and an old ticket now unattached) Ex Dr G. Brockmann collection, Peus 411, 31 October 2013, lot 1218. The association of this plaquette with Fra Antonio da Brescia depends on the reverse of a signed medal of a certain Niccolò Vonico of Treviso with a similar reverse design to the present plaquette (as Hill 476). But commentators suggest that the plaquette is the more successful version of the two designs and that the signed medal actually copies the plaquette – hence the name given to the plaquette maker of this and some other associated pieces as Pseudo-Fra Antonio da Brescia. Douglas Lewis (in “Collectors of Renaissance Reliefs: Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466-1536) and Baron Boissel de Monville (1763-1832)”, St.HistArt 70, 2008, p. 130) has renamed him the “Vicentine Master of 1507” due to his close relationship with two artists of Vicenza, the painter Bartolomeo Montagna and the printmaker Benedetto Montagna. He calls the subject matter of the present plaquette Virtue Triumphant over Vice (publication pending).
- Splendidly-original early Land Rover and just three owners from new - Offered with a comprehensive history file including the original buff log book - Ex-military Series 1 2-litre petrol engine and extensively toured though Europe This splendidly-original early Land Rover has had just three owners from new. The supplying dealer was Windmill & Lewis of Bristol and the first keeper BBC Natural History Unit employee Mr Desmond Hawkins. In 1957 'PHT 188' was acquired by a Mr Unwin who used it as a site vehicle/tug on the caravan parks he owned in Somerset. An engine problem caused it to be rested in 1976, and it then stood in an open-sided shed until 2007, when it was rescued by a Land Rover enthusiast who passed it on to the vendor. He recommissioned rather than restored the vehicle, meaning it remains remarkably original with a pleasing degree of patina. It was totally dismantled, the chassis repaired, and the bulkhead replaced with a galvanised original item. The wheel and master cylinders were re-bored and sleeved in stainless steel. The brake lines were replaced to original specification and a new Autosparks wiring loom, Exmoor Trim seat bases and Undercover Covers hood installed. The current engine is an ex-military Series 1 2-litre petrol unit. Since completion this wonderful old Landy has been toured extensively throughout Europe and featured in many Land Rover publications. It comes complete with comprehensive history file, including the original buff log book.
Heinrich Fischer (1820-1886) - Self-portrait at the easel holding a porte-crayon and mahl-stick Pastel, touches of black chalk, on vellum Signed and dated 1842 lower right 60 x 48 cm. (23 5/8 x 18 7/8 in) Provenance: Sale. Christie's, Old Master Pictures & Drawings, 7th December, lot 436 . Born in Nänikon, Switzerland, Fischer was a known watercolourist working in Zurich, before travelling to Munich in 1840. He moved to Bern in 1848 and worked in portraits and landscapes, in which many were reproduced using lithography. The present portrait appears to be an early self-portrait by the artist, probably executed while in Munich.
Lionel Dalhousie Robertson Edwards (1878-1966) - The Blankney Hunt Oil on canvas Signed, inscribed 'Blankney' , and dated 1933 lower right 51 x 76 cm. (20 x 30 in) Provenance: Possibly commissioned from the artist by Francis Vernon Willey, 2nd Baron Barnby (1884-1982); Thence by descent The hunt at Blankney dates from 1871 where the pack split from the old Burton Foxhounds; it covers the Lincoln Heath, and borders the Belvoir Hunt to the east, and the Burton Hunt to the north. Francis Vernon Willey, 2nd Baron Barnby, was Master of hunt in 1919 and in 1933, and features in the present painting, and quite probably in the following lot also. Another painting of the Blankney Hunt by Edwards was painted in 1953, and offered at Sotheby's in 1991 (see: Sotheby's, London, 27th March 1991, lot 43). IMPORTANT: This lot is sold subject to Artists Resale Rights, details of which can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
Edwin Henry Hunt (British, 19th Century) "Master Mc Grath" - a black greyhound, thrice winner of the Waterloo Cup 1868, 1869 and 1871, by "Dervock" out of "Lady Sarah" published by George Rees, 116 Strand, and 41, 42 and 43 Russell Street, Covent Garden aquatint 50 x 60cm (20 x 23in) Quite a bit of foxing. thee is a brown line horizontally across the middle (backboard) and the old original frame has loose gilt mounts.
HENRY ST JOHN BOLINGBROKE: A LETTER TO SIR WILLIAM WINDHAM II SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE PRESENT STATE OF THE NATION III A LETTER TO MR POPE, L, A Millar, 1753, engrd port frontis rebnd qtr cf, new EPs + [OLIVER GOLDSMITH]: THE LIFE OF RICHARD NASH, ESQ LATE MASTER OF THE CEREMONIES OF BATH ..., L, 1762 2nd edn, engrd port frontis, old full cf rebkd + [JOHN ALMON]: ANECDOTES OF THE LIFE OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE WILLIAM PITT, EARL CHATHAM ...,L, 1792, 1st edn, 4 vols, 2 fdg plts at rear of vol 4, rebnd hf cf + ARTHUR PENRHYN STANLEY: THE LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THOMAS ARNOLD ..., L, 1845, 4th edn, 2 vols, engrd frontis, old hf cf worn (8)
CAPTAIN THOMAS BROWN: THE BOOK OF BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS, L, 1843, 48 col'd plts compl, cont blind stpd cl gt, inner jnts split + JOHN CUMMING; BEE-KEEPING BY "THE TIMES" BEE-MASTER, L, 1864, 1st edn, orig pict cl gt + JOHN HUNTER: A MANUAL OF BEE-KEEPING, L, 1875, orig pict cl gt worn + H MALCOLM FRASER: ANTON JANSCHA ON THE SWARMING OF BEES, The Apis Club [1951], orig ptd wraps + JULES ROTHSCHILD (ED): MUSEE ENTOMOLOGIQUE ILLUSTRE HISTOIRE NATURELLE ICONOGRAPHIQUE DES INSECTES - TOME PREMIER LES COLEOPTEREST - TOME TROISIEMME... LES ORTHOPTERES - NEVROPTERES - HYMENOPTERES ..., Paris, J Rothschild, 1876-1878, 2 vols, vol 1 48 hand col'd plts, vol 3 24 hand col'd plts, old qtr cf worn rebkd (6)
after: Sir Paul Rubens Old Master Oil on Canvas "Satyr Holding Basket of Fruit With Girl By His Side". Unsigned., Craquelure or in Otherwise Good Condition. Measures 42-1/2 by 36, Frame Measures 52 Inches by 40 Inches. We will not ship this item due to its size. We will happily recommend a list of outside vendors upon request.
WHYTE & MACKAY DE LUXE POT STILL DECANTER Blended Scotch Whisky. This unique reproduction of a Highland Copper Pot Still is made, exclusively for Whyte & Mackay Distillers by the master craftsmen of Wade Potteries. Using a 200 year old skill, the potters embody 22 carat gold to achieve the final superb glaze. The Still holds Whyte & Mackay De Luxe, a magnificent blend of mellow twelve year old whiskies. 75cl. 43% vol.
WHYTE & MACKAY 1981 ROYAL WEDDING Blended Scotch Whisky bottled to commemmorate the wedding of HRH The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer 29 July 1981. 12 years old. In presentation box. DIMPLE 15 YEAR OLD MINIATURE SET Blended Scotch Whisky. 12 miniatures. 5 cl, 40% volume. In carton. DUNHILL OLD MASTER Blended Scotch Whisky. Cellar Master's number: O 39298. 70 cl, 43% volume. In carton. WHYTE & MACKAY TANTALUS AND DECANTER SET Wooden tantalus with brassware. Contains Whyte & Mackay 12 and Whyte & Mackay 21. Blended Scotch Whiskies, each in 37.5 cl decanter. No strength given. Includes stoppers and key. In carton. HARROD'S 21 YEAR OLD Blended Scotch Whisky. 75 cl, 43% volume. In presentation box. 17 bottles
MRS M.K. BASSETT, Colchester (19th century), After the Old Master Italianate Landscapes Oils on board Old labels to verso inscribed Copied in Dresden by M.K. Bassett (Mrs), Colchester 22 x 17 cm, framed and glazed, (a pair) (2) CONDITION REPORTS: Generally good condition, expected wear, some slight bowing, slight losses to frames.
1998-2012 AD. A mixed group of auction and saleroom catalogues comprising: Apex Philatelic UK & World stamps 6 November 2011; Aureo & Calico 'Imagines Imperatorum' 8 February 2012; Bonhams 'Antiquities' 25 November 1998; Bonhams 'Islamic and Indian Art' 29 April 2004; Bonhams 'Medals, Bonds, Banknotes and Coins', 25 October 2005; Bonhams 'Prints' 30 September 2008; Bonhams 'Antiquities' 28 October 2009; Bonhams 'Old Master, Modern & Contemporary Prints' 13 July 2010; Bonhams 'Antiquities' 25 April 2012; Bonhams 'Islamic & Indian Art' 28 April 2012; Bonhams 'Antiquities' 23 May 2012; Bloomsbury 'Erotica' 21 November 2002; Bloomsbury 'Photographs, Oil Paintings, Watercolours, Drawings & Prints' 12 July 2007; Bloomsbury 'Modern and Contemporary Prints' 29 March 2012; Bloomsbury 'Important Books and Manuscripts' 29 November 2012; Christie's 'Asian Art' 15 September 2005; Christie's 'German and Austrian Art' 20 June 2006; CNG 'Classical Coins' 5 May 2010; Phillips 'Antiquities & Tribal Art' 11 December 2005; Sotheby's 'Library of Irwin Silver' 26 April 2005; Spink 'Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria' 27 April 2000; Spink 'Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria' 30 November 2000; Spink 'World Banknotes' 27-28 October 2011; Spink 'World Banknotes' 24-25 April 2012; Spink 'British and Irish Banknotes' 24 April 2012. 15.8 kg, up to 23x30 cm (9 x 11 3/4"). Ex Steinberg collection; acquired London art market, 1960s-1970s. [No Reserve]
A 19th century album containing a quantity of pencil sketches of the Alps, black and white lithographs showing continental views after Mourton, Allom, Latour, etc, with ink inscriptions and dated 1853, also pencil sketches of continental lake scenes, scenes on the Isle of Wight, etc together with a further quantity of 19th century and other engravings of topographical views, Old Master subjects, etc
Sir John Verney (British, 1913-1993) the painted single wardrobe with a child holding a toy, river behind and Kings Lynn custom's house, fishing scene to one side and the opposing side, signed to the base, 63cm x 42cm x 184cm, Purchased at a private view held on the 22nd July, at the Old Granary Studio, Kings Lynn John Verney, painter and illustrator, film director's assistant and baronet, Yeomanry officer and parachutist, traveller and lover of most things British, especially Farnham, Surrey, was also wonderful company to his many friends, master of the ludicrous, inventor of the 'Dodo-Pad' and author of one of the best memoirs of the Second World War, "Going to the Wars".
Sir John Verney (British, 1913-1993) the painted chair with Kings Lynn Customs house, and cat among flowers, signed to the lower edge, Purchased at a private view held on the 22nd July, at the Old Granary Studio, Kings Lynn John Verney, painter and illustrator, film director's assistant and baronet, Yeomanry officer and parachutist, traveller and lover of most things British, especially Farnham, Surrey, was also wonderful company to his many friends, master of the ludicrous, inventor of the 'Dodo-Pad' and author of one of the best memoirs of the Second World War, "Going to the Wars".
Sir John Verney (British, 1913-1993) the painted centre table with five Kings Lynn landmark buildings amongst flowers and leafs, painted base with further flower heads, signed to the top, 65cm x 65cm x 73cm, Purchased at a private view held on the 22nd July, at the Old Granary Studio, Kings Lynn John Verney, painter and illustrator, film director's assistant and baronet, Yeomanry officer and parachutist, traveller and lover of most things British, especially Farnham, Surrey, was also wonderful company to his many friends, master of the ludicrous, inventor of the 'Dodo-Pad' and author of one of the best memoirs of the Second World War, "Going to the Wars".
Sir John Verney (British, 1913-1993) the painted armchair with a swan to the arched back flowers to the rail and leaf design, panted seat with Kings Lynn Customs house, signed to the seat, Purchased at a private view held on the 22nd July, at the Old Granary Studio, Kings Lynn John Verney, painter and illustrator, film director's assistant and baronet, Yeomanry officer and parachutist, traveller and lover of most things British, especially Farnham, Surrey, was also wonderful company to his many friends, master of the ludicrous, inventor of the 'Dodo-Pad' and author of one of the best memoirs of the Second World War, "Going to the Wars".
A SUBSTANTIAL OAK FRAME SECTION FROM H.M.S. VICTORY IN SERVICE CIRCA 1765-1922 with carpenters rase marks inscribed along one side reading No.39 rr x 1814x X [or] VIIII / I\, with three large iron and alloy pins extruding from the obverse with a single pin on the reverse (old wear, marks, holes etc., rase mark partially rubbed) -- 6 x 76 x 13in. (15 x 193 x 33cm.) Provenance: H.M.S. Victory, removed between 1922 and 1959; sold to Victory Ltd in 2000 and Victory Oak Ltd, 2006. Literature: McGowan, A: H.M.S. VICTORY / Her Construction and Restoration, Caxton Editions, 1999, p.93. A 'rase mark', made using a special rase knife, is a Timber Master's method of instructing the carpenters as to the location of beams that needed to be removed or repaired in refits, thus a ship could generate huge numbers which needed to be put back in the right place. This beam is thought to have come from deep within the main body of the ship from the upper deck area have been decoded "Beam Number 39 (Richard Mosebury) 1814 9 [or] 13 feet above [replaced]", indicating that it was the thirty-ninth beam (in a location known only to the Timber Master), and was originally either nine or thirteen feet in length - the confusion being caused by the 'X' being either the Roman numeral for '10', or a cancelled '1'. The Timber Master responsible was Richard Mosebury - there being no Timber Master using the initials 'rr', it is likely these copy marks were made by an illiterate carpenter. Although this repair took place in 1814, the beam has several witness marks suggesting it's much older and likely to have formed part of the original build. This lot will be available for viewing at Imperial Road
Horological Books - thirteen publications including six by Brian Loomes, including a signed copy of 'Grandfather Clocks & Their Cases', 'The Eureka Clock' by Dr F G Alan Shenton (signed copy), 'The Marine Chronometer' by Lt Comm Rupert T Gould, 'Saunier's Treatise on Modern Horology' by Julien Tripplin and Edward Rigg, 1952 edition, a 1938 edition of Herbert Cescinsky 'The Old English Master Clockmakers & Their Clocks' (spine separated) etc
![BRUICHLADDICH 12 YEAR OLD SANTA'S SPECIAL
Single Islay Malt Whisky, "miracleously [sic] 'born' on 25th December." Signed by M](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/ae0719c6-f919-4a77-9748-a4dd00ffd67e/1fc12ccf-8397-46c7-8862-af5318cd88eb/468x382.jpg)
This smart looking right-hand drive example is a notably late MKII being registered in early 1967. Sporting Green bodywork matched to a Black vinyl interior 'EFB 303E' has been extensively restored over 2012/2013 by the current retired engineer vendor. This has included the evident body restoration and repaint with the interior receiving new carpets and the seats being recovered. The brakes have been overhauled with a new master cylinder and replacement of the front callipers. Riding on Minilite style alloy wheels we are also informed that the Carburettor's have been overhauled and a new clutch kit has been fitted. The MG is offered with an original driver's handbook, collection of old mots dating back to 1979 and a large collection of invoices dating back to 1983. Described by the vendor with regards to the 1098cc engine, bodywork, paintwork, interior and four-speed gearbox as all "very good" the MG is offered with a current MoT certificate into August 2016. In terms of fun per pound, good Midgets are hard to beat and, with readily available and affordable spare parts, offer the perfect entree to classic car ownership.
Portfolio: Original Drawings: Fine collection of late 17th Century, 18th Century and early 19th Century drawings, possibly some Old Master Examples, mostly classical subject, some religious, portraits, life studies, designs for interiors, ceilings, porticos, statues, etc., approx. 58 items in all, various sizes, red chalks, wash etc. As a portfolio, w.a.f. (1)
HEINSIUS NIKOLAE: (1620-1681) The Elder. Dutch Poet. One of the purest and most elegant of Latinists of his time. A.L.S., Nicolaus Heinsius, one page, 4to, Rome, 23rd February 1647, to a priest, in Latin. Heinsius mentions having sent his opinions to his correspondent through a messenger and states `I plan leaving after the twentieth near Naples I think. There are rumours about a peace agreement between Spanish and ours, no cause has been seen yet; and because of the danger surrounding the beautiful city, my escape has been tolerated.´ Hensius further refers to master works and says `..the library contains manuscript books in perfect conditions and very old…Quite a number of codex, many from Ovid….You can get access to such works for me if you make use of your authority…´ and continues `I am not working on anything new, thanks to you I am still dependent on you, and I have not found yet someone I can trust on this. Although I am waiting for a chance. If it never happens, I will give the work so the parcel will be given to the father I have recently designated.´ Hensius also refers to his permanent travelling, the difficulties, his writings sent to his correspondent, etc.. A lengthy and interesting clean letter. Some small tears to the edges and a small paper loss to the left border, none affecting the text or signature. VG £500-800
E H Cuthbert; Pictura est miuta Poesis, a collection of 17th century and later engravings, etchings and mezzotints, Old Master and English prints, including works by or after Della Bella, Israel Sylvestre, David Teniers, Wenceslas Hollar, S. Howitt, Rembrandt and others, folio, gilt tooled red morocco with engraved brass clasp, formerly in the collection of Sir William Quilter Bart, MOincluding works by or after Della Bella, Israel Sylvestre, David Teniers, Wenceslas Hollar, S. Howitt, Rembrandt and others, library plate for Sir William Quilter, Bart, MP, frontis dated 26th July 1833.
FREDERICK: (1763-1827) Duke of York & Albany, son of King George III. Commander-in-Chief of the Forces 1795-1809, 1811-27. A.N.S., Frederick, at the foot of an A.L.S. H. Taylor by Herbert Taylor, one page, folio, Head Quarters, 28th October 1799, to Lieutenant Colonel Anstruther, Deputy Quarter Master General. Taylor informs his correspondent 'In consequence of the great hardships & fatigues sustained by the troops, I am directed by the Commander in Chief to desire that you will issue to the several Regiments, the shoes received from England at the Rate of One Dollar for each pair' and continues 'I am further directed by H.R.H. to authorize you to issue Two Hundred Pairs of Shoes to the Crew of His Majesty's Ship Isis as a Donation'. The Duke of York has penned a note at the foot stating, in full, 'I certify that the orders above mentioned was given verbally by me to Colonel Anstruther about the 9th or 10th October after the retreat from Alkmaar'. With blank integral leaf. Some minor age wear and toning, about VG Herbert Taylor (1775-1839) British Lieutenant-General, Assistant Secretary and Aide-de-Camp to the Duke of York. Taylor later served as Private Secretary to King George III 1805-11 and Treasurer to Queen Charlotte 1817-18. Robert Anstruther (1768-1809) Scottish General who served during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The Duke of York's second field command was with the army sent for the Anglo-Russian Invasion of Holland in August 1799. Following the Duke's arrival with the main body of the army, a number of disasters befell the allied forces, including shortage of supplies. On 17th October 1799 the Duke of York had signed the Convention of Alkmaar, by which the allied expedition withdrew after giving up its prisoners. After this ineffectual campaign, Frederick was mocked, perhaps unfairly, in the rhyme The Grand Old Duke of York.
1998-2012 AD. A mixed group of auction and saleroom catalogues comprising: Apex Philatelic UK & World stamps 6 November 2011; Aureo & Calico 'Imagines Imperatorum' 8 February 2012; Bonhams 'Antiquities' 25 November 1998; Bonhams 'Islamic and Indian Art' 29 April 2004; Bonhams 'Medals, Bonds, Banknotes and Coins', 25 October 2005; Bonhams 'Prints' 30 September 2008; Bonhams 'Antiquities' 28 October 2009; Bonhams 'Old Master, Modern & Contemporary Prints' 13 July 2010; Bonhams 'Antiquities' 25 April 2012; Bonhams 'Islamic & Indian Art' 28 April 2012; Bonhams 'Antiquities' 23 May 2012; Bloomsbury 'Erotica' 21 November 2002; Bloomsbury 'Photographs, Oil Paintings, Watercolours, Drawings & Prints' 12 July 2007; Bloomsbury 'Modern and Contemporary Prints' 29 March 2012; Bloomsbury 'Important Books and Manuscripts' 29 November 2012; Christie's 'Asian Art' 15 September 2005; Christie's 'German and Austrian Art' 20 June 2006; CNG 'Classical Coins' 5 May 2010; Phillips 'Antiquities & Tribal Art' 11 December 2005; Sotheby's 'Library of Irwin Silver' 26 April 2005; Spink 'Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria' 27 April 2000; Spink 'Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria' 30 November 2000; Spink 'World Banknotes' 27-28 October 2011; Spink 'World Banknotes' 24-25 April 2012; Spink 'British and Irish Banknotes' 24 April 2012. 15.8 kg, up to 23x30 cm (9 x 11 3/4"). Ex Steinberg collection; acquired London art market, 1960s-1970s. [No Reserve, 25, No Reserve]
Ten Chinese 19th century pith paintings depicting the life story of a boy, each titled to verso: His birth; His first meal; His head shaved; He goes to school; He becomes a Mandarin and goes to see his old school master; Chin chi.. Joss (?); He receives an honour as a high Mandarin; The Emperor sends him home with honour; He dispenses sycee to his children and He sits in state with his wife, all framed and glazed, 21.5 x 33 cm (10)
Edward VI, third period, 'fine' sovereign of 30 shillings, mm. ostrich head on both sides (1551), crowned figure of king enthroned facing, wearing robe and holding orb and sceptre, portcullis at feet, rev. shield of arms at centre of large Tudor rose in full bloom, wt. 15.37gms. (S.2446; N.1926 [ER]; Schneider 701 (same dies); Brooke, 'English Coins', pl.XXXVIII.2, this coin), very slight, hardly noticeable, double striking on the king's crown, good very fine on a lovely round flan having no cracks or damage, surrounding legends complete and mostly crisp in strike, portrait generally well struck and the rarely seen initial mark sharp on each side, choice surfaces for this grade and exhibiting most pleasing reddish gold toning, exceptionally rare and next to the Schneider specimen, the finest in private hands *ex British Museum duplicates ex R. D. Beresford-Jones, Spink Auction 29, 2 June 1983, lot 52 ex Sharps Pixley collection, Spink Auction 72, 9 November 1989, lot 17 ex Spink Auction 161, 14 November 2002, lot 117 ex Samuel King Collection of Highly Important Gold Coins, Spink, 5 May 2005, lot 37 Sir Edmund Pekham was high treasurer of all the mint establishments from 1544 and his personal crest was an ostrich head. It was probably from bullion supplied by Pekham that the very small fine gold issues of 1551 were minted at the Tower. It has been proven beyond doubt that this small issue was not minted at Southwark as previously thought, because that mint was closed by January 1551 and the commission for this issue was not signed until 5th October 1551. Edward VI concerned himself personally with mint affairs during the last years of his reign. He was a highly intelligent 14 year old by the time this fine issue was being prepared and among his Domestic State Papers is correspondence to Sir Edmund Pekham dated 25th September 1551 and this letter details instructions from the King and Privy Council to begin the new coinage in fine silver (11 oz 1 dwt) and two standards of gold (23ct 3.5 gr and 22ct). This fine gold 30/- sovereign was minted at the high standard of 23ct 3.5gr (or .995). The design for this splendid coin was undoubtedly the work of Derick Anthony who was appointed to the office of graver at the Tower from Michaelmas 1551, together with his deputy John Lawrence. Very few examples are available in commerce and this is undoubtedly the best to be offered. Not only is this a delightful example of a rarely seen coin but it also represents an important change in the quality of gold struck towards the end of the reign of Henry VIII's only son, whose sad demise at an early age is so well known. Many collectors may not realize, however, that this coin from this minting period of the reign represents the third stage of a gradual recovery in the quality of gold coinage following its decimation under King Henry VIII. Widespread confidence in the money had occurred in the late 1540s, but steadily the fineness of gold coin improved, from 20 carats in the first period to 22 carats in the second and, finally, to 23 carats 3.5 grains in the third period. Hence the name 'fine' in this case, as the gold content was nearly pure, just enough alloy in it to harden it for use. The distinctions of weight and fineness of the precious metals making English coins at this period held considerable merit in the minds of the mint's officials. Today these seem of scant importance, given the nature of money today, mostly fiat paper substituting for intrinsically valued coin. Challis (A New History of the Royal Mint) reminds us that in the 16th century there was, in fact, no unanimous 'standard' of what constituted sterling in the case of silver, and gold being the royal money meant that its quality was much on the minds of officials. The mint's master-worker or warden, Richard Martin, became embroiled in a long-standing dispute with Thomas Keeling, assay master of the London Company of Goldsmiths, over what precisely constituted sterling silver. Only 2 dwt variance was at issue, Keeling pressing for a higher quality. In 1551, King Edward and his officials at the mint described sterling as being a bit lighter than both assayers had pressed for; nonetheless, the silver quality improved from that used by Edward's father, and by his reign's end it came within one dwt of its ancient standard of purity. Under Elizabeth I, it was finally restored completely; the time frame of several decades demonstrates the importance given to money of 'fine quality'. Edward's final gold issue, then, this splendidly symbolic 'fine sovereign' representing the buying power of 30 sterling shillings, remains not only an important numismatic 'type' for collectors, but it is also emblematic of the development towards what the modern gold sovereign, struck from 1817 onwards, represented - real money, of a strictly controlled intrinsic value and therefore universally accepted around the world. It would underscore the power and influence of an empire.
![ITALIAN OLD MASTER STYLE PRINTS, [3]: A] Beccafumi [Domenico de Pace] 14'' x 10''. B] Male nude, 18'' x 13''. C] Male nude](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/4c76a806-e103-4959-97ee-a4f700a218a6/e81f226f-7973-42c9-fa77-0d403bf590e1/468x382.jpg)
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