Dassier’s Kings and Queens

CNG 109, Lot: 1087. Estimate $2000. Sold for $3750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

temp. HANOVER. Complete set of thirty-five (35) Æ Medals. The ‘Kings and Queens of England’ series. By J. Dassier. Struck 1731 and 1820. All medals: Bust of royal figure / Scene with biographical information. Includes: William I // William II // Stephen // Henry II // Richard I // John // Henry III // Edward I // Edward II // Edward III // Richard II // Henry IV // Henry V // Henry VI // Edward IV // Edward V // Richard III // Henry VII // Henry VIII // Edward VI // Mary // Elizabeth I // James I // Charles I // Oliver Cromwell // Charles II // James II // Mary // William III // Anne // George I // Caroline // George II. Eimer 526 (see note for wooden box). Lot also includes the 1820 Death of George III medal, by J. Marrian, BHM 997. EF. In original green wood and green velvet case (scratched and missing key). All medals original to case, with the exception of the Richard I and George III, the latter evidently added by the collection’s 19th century owner.

From the Gasvoda Collection. Ex Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio 172 (15 November 2012), lot 10447.

From the consignor: I have seen three sets of these medals in their original cases. Two I purchased (one remains in my collection). While the historical interest in the medals themselves remains high, the true value here lies in the rarity of the original case. I chose to leave it un-curated as the lacquer, felt liner, and hardware are all original to the time of issue. An interesting example of manufacturing technology for the era.