Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, Marquis of Granby Medal 1765.
A circular medals by T. Pingo, 36mm, silver, the obverse depicting the laureate head of George III facing right, the reverse featuring a robed and helmeted female standing facing left, holding a spear and palm branch, at her feet an owl and shield, with the legend, ‘Praemia Lavdi’ above, ‘D. M. Granby Mag. Gen. Ord. MDCCLXV’, in exergue, pierced for ring suspension and reverse from rusty die, very fine and very rare £240-£300

Referenced in British Historical Medals 93; Eimer 710; Balmer R.121 (British) & R.589 (Irish); Payne p.196-7

John, Marquis of Granby (1721-70), was the Master-General of Ordnance and Captain of the Cadet Company of the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich from 1763 until his death. Prize medals in gold and in silver were instituted in 1765 for award to gentlemen cadets who distinguished themselves. Bronze medals are also known to exist. Balmer, in addition, ascribes the same medal to the Irish Ordnance Department which was formed in 1756 and incorporated into the Royal Artillery in 1801.