The Amicable Society, Instituted 1696

The Amicable Society, Instituted 1696, silver ticket, two hands clasped under the Royal Crown, rev. a building, AMICABLE CONTRIBUTIONSHIP, 39 mm (MI 155/422; DW 102/7). Extremely fine and very rare, especially in silver. £Sold

These medals and certain varieties were issued to commemorate the establishment of the first company for the insurance of houses against loss by fire. It later became known as The Hand in Hand.

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The Amicable Society, Instituted 1696 (www.historicmedals.com/viewItem.php?no=337)

The Catch Club, Instituted 1762

The Catch Club, Instituted 1762, silver pass, by T. Pingo, two figures seated beside a tripod, one playing a lyre, the other holding a cup, LETS. DRINK. AND LETS. SING TOGETHER, rev. a wreath of leaves, A Proof, 44mm (DW 152/397). Good extremely fine and rare, toned. £Sold

The Club met at the Thatched House in St. James's Street. Eimer states that the Club offered a ten-guinea premium to the composers of the best catch, canon and glee, set to words either in English, Latin, Italian, Spanish or French. At the time of initial production a silver example was given to the Duke of Devonshire.

To read the complete item description, see:
The Catch Club, Instituted 1762 (www.historicmedals.com/viewItem.php?no=236)

The Erection of Wilton Church

The Erection of Wilton Church, by E. Avern, /I. 51 mm (BHM 2254), Extremely fine and rare. £Sold

Wilton's Church of St. Mary and St. Nicholas, also known as the Italianate Church was designed by Thomas Henry Wyatt and David Brandon and erected between 1841 and 1845. Built at the behest of Catherine Woronzow, the Dowager Countess of Pembroke (see no. 120) and her son, Sidney Herbert, who donated £20,000 towards the building, it was described as one of the most sumptuous Anglican churches of the 1840's and the prime example in England of the round arch style. Catherine Woroznow was born in Russia and the influence of the Russian Orthodox style is strongly evident in the nave.Mosaics.

To read the complete item description, see:
The Erection of Wilton Church (www.historicmedals.com/viewItem.php?no=750)

The Siege of Basing House

The Siege of Basing House, engraved brass medal, 1645, Part of a/ Warming Pan/ Taken at the Siege of/ Basing House/ Octr. the 14th/ 1645, rev. By/ Stephen Coombe/ who died/ Augt. the XXIV/ 1680 AETAT. 69; edge engraved Hector Prince of Troy 1633, 51 mm. Good very fine. £Sold

John Paulet, "the Great Loyalist" and Marquis of Winchester was one of Charles I's wealthiest supporters. His mansion, Basing House was surrounded by Cromwell's army on 8th October 1645. The bombardment began on 12th October and within a day the army had succeeded in breaking through the fortress walls, allowing an assault on 14th October. The house fell in less than an hour of fighting and along with the Marquis, the architect Inigo Jones was also captured.

To read the complete item description, see:
The Siege of Basing House (www.historicmedals.com/viewItem.php?no=444)

For more information on the Siege of Basing House, see:
The Fall of Basing House, 1645 (http://bcw-project.org/military/english-civil-war/southern-england/basing-house-1645)
B A S I N G B E S I E G E D (www.britannia.com/history/hants/siegebsg.html)

Coronation of William and Mary

Coronation of William and Mary, silver medal, 1689, William and Mary seated facing, crowned and robed, each holding a sceptre and orb, rev. Captain, Lieutenant and Ensign of the City Guard of Amsterdam, City arms above, , 61 mm (MI 678/54; van Loon 390); formed as two plates joined by a rim and makers mark on the edge. Good very fine and rare. £Sold

To read the complete item description, see:
Coronation of William and Mary (www.historicmedals.com/viewItem.php?no=973)