Pair of Exceptional Boxwood Medals

CNG 94, Lot: 1998. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GREAT BRITAIN. William III & Mary. 1688-1694. Lot of Two (2) Uniface Boxwood Medals. By M. Brunner. (a): (55mm, 11.18 g). GVILIELMVS · III · D · G · ANG · SC · FR · (ET) · HI · REX ·, crowned, draped, and manled bust of William right, wearing Collar of the Order of St. George and holding lis-tipped scepter; floral scroll border around / Blank. Cf. MI pl. LXXV, 3 (lead) // (b): (55mm, 11.65 g). MARIA · D G · ANG · SCO · FR · ET · HI · REGINA ·, crowned, draped, and manled bust of Mary left, wearing earring, necklace, and elaborate brooch; floral scroll border around / Blank. Cf. MI pl. LXXV, 3 (same). EF. Extremely rare. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Two (2) medals in lot.

An unusual medium for medallic art, buxus sempervirens, more commonly known as boxwood, was an important wood used for the crafting of clarinets, engraving, marquetry, woodturning, tool handles, and as a substitute for ivory. The characteristic slow growth of boxwood renders a material which is very hard and free of the grain usually produced by growth rings. The usage of boxwood blocks for engraving was pioneered in the late 18th century by Thomas Bewick, though this pair of medals predates his manufacture. Nevertheless, the result is of astonishing craftsmanship and offers a rare opportunity to the collector of William and Mary ephemera.