Description
George IV, Accession, Silver-gilt medal 1820 (112 x 93.5mm) by Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. Laurel and draped bust l., with classical armoured breast-plate, GEORGIVS IV DEI GRATIA BRITANNIARVM REX, Rev. legend within an open oak wreath fastened with the national fl owers – rose, thistle and shamrock, Hanoverian horse below, ACCESSIT XXIX IAN MDCCCXX, the whole within an applied and raised oak wreath border, tied with a ribbon in a bow, an Imperial Crown a top, with suspension ring attached, the whole. (BHM.1010, R4 , this piece described in footnote and full page illustration, page 245; Eimer 1123, see footnote), London hallmark (on ribbon ties) 1820, maker’s mark PR for Philip Rundell, in a maroon leather fitted case, lined with maroon silk and velvet, the medal surface matt with polished letters to the legends, truly magnificent and unique!
Ex Earthy Col. bt. A. H. Baldwin, 1979.
The medal was most likely designed by Philip Liebart. Laurence Brown (BHM) is able to quote from the accounts of Messrs. Rundell, Bridge and Rundell – ‘1820 31st July. A large silver gilt medal on the King’s Accession His Majesty’s Profi le on one side & device reverse with wreath of oak & acorn chased and crown over all for Her Royal Highness The Princess Augusta £15.15.0’. It was paid by the Privy Purse on 12th August, 1822. The firm was appointed as one of the goldsmiths and jewellers to the king in 1797 and Principal Royal Goldsmiths & Jewellers in 1804, holding the Royal Warrant until 1843. When Philip Rundell died in 1827 the value of his estate was in excess of the then ceiling figure of £1,000,000.
