88
Captain James Cook - Two Resolution and Adventure bronze medals, 1772-1773
Estimate:
$6,000 - $12,000
Sold
$16,000
Live Auction
191 The Collection of John Elliot Lawford | Part 1: Live Auction (Lot 1-94)
Category
Description
Captain James Cook
Two Resolution and Adventure bronze medals, 1772-1773
Original medals, struck for distribution to indigenous people, the obverse side depicting The head of George III and on the reverse side the ships Resolution and Adventure. Inscribed ‘SAILED FROM ENGLAND MARCH MDCCLXXII’.
England: designed by William Barnett 1772 and struck in ‘platina’ (a mix of copper, zinc and iron), records show the medals were distributed to Māori in three different locations in New Zealand.
The reverse of one of the medals shows a pattern of abrasion due to age and wear, possibly, consistent with the original purpose of the medals which were to be worn by recipients as emblems of the Kings regard. The other medal unabraded with few signs of wear. Suspension holes visible to the top of both medals.
Provenance: Estate of John Lawford.
Two Resolution and Adventure bronze medals, 1772-1773
Original medals, struck for distribution to indigenous people, the obverse side depicting The head of George III and on the reverse side the ships Resolution and Adventure. Inscribed ‘SAILED FROM ENGLAND MARCH MDCCLXXII’.
England: designed by William Barnett 1772 and struck in ‘platina’ (a mix of copper, zinc and iron), records show the medals were distributed to Māori in three different locations in New Zealand.
The reverse of one of the medals shows a pattern of abrasion due to age and wear, possibly, consistent with the original purpose of the medals which were to be worn by recipients as emblems of the Kings regard. The other medal unabraded with few signs of wear. Suspension holes visible to the top of both medals.
Provenance: Estate of John Lawford.
