Lot 22
SCARCE JACOBITE PRINCE CHARLES EDWARD STUART AND PRINCE HENRY LEGITIMACY OF THE JACOBITE SUCCESSION SILVER MEDAL
OTTONE HAMERANI (1694 - 1764), STRUCK C.1731
Fine Furniture and Works of Art
Auction: 2 May 2018 at 11:00 BST
Description
Obverse; armoured and draped bust of Prince Charles facing right with motto MICAT. INTER. OMNES and with six pointed star within field
Reverse; armoured bust of Prince Henry facing left with legend ALTER. AB. ILLO
The edge with additional motto EXTVLIT. OS. SACRVM. COELO * DIE XXXI DECEMBR. MDCCXX
Dimensions
Diameter: 41mm, weight: 46g
Footnote
Note: Two main types of this classic 'Two Princes' medallion exist: those without edge lettering, and the rarer type, such as this, with the additional motto to the edge. This example is further improved by the contemporary addition of the suspension ring, making this not a medallion but a Jacobite supporter's badge/medal.
Stuart medals such as this are recorded as early as King Charles I when were worn by Royalist supporters under their shirts and close to their hearts. They proved allegiance to the beheaded monarch in the time of Oliver Cromwell's rule under the Commonwealth. The wearing of such items were thought to have mystical and protective properties, as is seen with the touch pieces handed out by the monarchs and worn by supporters.
References:
Woolf, N., 'The Medallic Record of the Jacobite Movement', item 43
Eimer, C., 'British Commemorative Medals, and their values', item 521