389, Lot: 1360. Estimate $200. Sold for $170. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GREAT BRITAIN, temp. Hanover. Edward Vernon, Charles Brown, and Robert Walpole. 1684-1757, 1678/9-1753, and 1676-1745, respectively. Æ Medal (36mm, 11.71 g, 6h). The Successes of Vernon and the Defeats of Walpole. Struck 1741. THE · BRITISH · GLORY · REVIV · D : BY · ADM · L : VERNON : COMR · BROWN, Admiral Vernon, standing slightly right and holding sword, and Commodore Brown, standing slightly left, clasping hands; crown above; in background, ship under sail right / MAKE ROOM FOR SIR ROBERT (on a banner emanating from the mouth of the devil), devil advancing left, holding pitchfork and leading Robert Walpole (the Earl of Orford) by leash toward the mouth of a fantastic beast to left; NO : EXCISE in exergue. Adams-Chao NLv 8-G; MI 561/191; Eimer –; Betts 246. Fine, slightly ragged edge.

From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

Generally regarded as having been the first Prime Minister of Great Britain, Sir Robert Walpole, the 1st Earl of Orford, served under both George I and George II, holding a great deal of influence within their cabinets. This influence began to decline, however, following the death of his close friend Queen Caroline as well as the increased military conflict in which Great Britain found herself. Opposition led by the future George III (the current Prince of Wales) and the Duke of Argyle secured enough seats in Parliament to create a constant problem for Walpole. The naval disaster against Spain in the Battle of Cartagena de Indias in 1741 served as a de facto final blow to his political career, though he was elevated to the House of Lords by the King through the granting of an Earldom.