Commemorative, Historical and Art Medals

Jamaica, Royal Military Club (Inst. 1788), a copper medal by J. Milton, sun in majesty shines through two crowned columns, naval and military trophies around, rev. Garter Star, leafed border with dolphins at top and conch shell below, initials wh [William Henry] crowned in oval above, 38mm (Stainton 4). Extremely fine £250-300

Provenance: Bt J.J. Ford 1972.

Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence (afterwards William IV, 1765-1837), visited Jamaica for the second time in 1788, whilst on Naval service. This medal was struck in his honour by the Royal Military Club, which was founded on his birthday, 21 August 1788, and of which he was patron. During this visit he presented a set of colours to the St Thomas-in-the-Vale Regiment of Militia and authorised the Corps to be designated ‘Prince William’s Own’. Throughout this time the island’s Commander-in-Chief was Vice-Admiral Alan (later Lord) Gardner (1742-1809), who held the position from 1786 to 1790. An example in gold, believed unique, was sold in Baldwin Auction 55, 7 May, 2008 (lot 2662) and is listed in The War Medal Record (1896-8), there described as ‘probably unique’. It is also recorded in the Journal of the Institute of Jamaica, vol 2 (1898), no.5, The dies of the medal were to have other lives, being used for a silver prize medal of the Tipperary Regimental School, 1806 (Grimshaw, 1981, p.47, 153), while Forrer (BDM IV, 85) records it used as a ticket or pass for the Strand Theatre of Varieties