British and World Coins, Historical Medals, Tokens, Banknotes and Numismatic Books

Victoria (1837-1901), Somerset, Bridgwater, a pair of extremely unusual silver prize medals of considerable local interest, comprising: a) an openwork cruciform medal, the obverse engraved “Presented to Master Charles Jennings by Mr W. James Champion Wrestler of Devon and the citizens of St.Sidwells, Exeter” and the reverse “on account of his wonderful skill as a musician, bone player and clog dancer tutored by his father Charles Jennings 1888”, stamped ‘sterling’ below, maker’s initials J.F above; b) another cruciform medal, the obverse engraved “This medal was presented to Master Charles Jennings age 11 years Novr 1888” the reverse “by the residents of Bridgwater, Somerset as the acknowledged champion bone player of the world tutored by his father Mr C. Jennings”, Chester hall-marks for 1888, maker’s initials D & F below. Very fine (2)

On the evidence of these two medals Master Charles Jennings “bone champion of the world” must have been both a child prodigy and something of a local celebrity; research in local records would doubtless reveal further biographical details relating to this remarkable child and his early achievements. Second medal only illustrated.