Duke of Wellington/Talavera bronze medallion

[Jonathan Hopkins]

I have had this medallion for quite a while (approximately 1.5" in diameter), but have never know much about it other than the obvious (that it commemorates the victory at Talavera). Was it a part of a set? When were these medallions made? Are they rare? Any insights would be much appreciated!

Thank you,

Jonathan

[Mervyn Mitton]

Jonathan - a nice clean medallion. Any number of Associations ( military, civilian) or, even the King, could have had this struck to commemorate the Battle. Medallions can be traced back hundreds of years and far pre-date suspended medals - although they are often pierced to hang from a neck ribbon. The Medal Year Book shows a good selection of famous ones - but there are specialist books and sites. I am always surprised that even examples from Charles Ist - or, earlier, seem to only sell in the low hundreds. They were often struck in the three different forms - Gold, silver, bronze - and issued according to the rank of the person.

Look for the initals of the sculptor - sometimes they are very important artists. Hopefully, other members can add to this.

Just a postscript. The figure is NIKE or, Winged Victory - one of the minor Greek Goddesses. She is taking the wreath of Victory from the French Eagle and is about to give it to the British Lion. Very symbolic.

Interestingly Nike sportswear take their name from Her and their famous 'tick' is from when her arm is raised holding the wreath.

Edited September 12, 2009 by Mervyn Mitton

[Mervyn Mitton]

SUCCESS ! Checked Google and it turns out it is part of a set of 40 issued either as singles or, as a set. Silver singles were one guinea (£1/1/-) They date from 1820 and yours is numbered 16 in the set.

www.btinternet.com/~malcbenn/mudie.htm

[Jonathan Hopkins]

SUCCESS ! Checked Google and it turns out it is part of a set of 40 issued either as singles or, as a set. Silver singles were one guinea (£1/1/-) They date from 1820 and yours is numbered 16 in the set.

www.btinternet.com/~malcbenn/mudie.htm

Mervyn,

THANK YOU!!! I had forgotten all about this medal until a recent visit to my mother's house. I bought it years ago before the internet became the resource it is today. The link you provided has just the sort of information I was after. I am not sure what the value would be, but certainly worth the $40 US I spent on it in the mid-1990s.

Jonathan

[TS Allen]

Hello Jonathan,

I've seen handfuls of medallions got above a few hundred dollars, but generally when I see Napoleonic medallions they're in the $100-$200 range.

Artistically, its a stunning piece, although I'll say that the figure on the back doesn't strike me as particularly beautiful. Wellington though, and of course, that's the most important part, looks great! Now you just need one with Napoleon! Hahaha.

~TS