Irish Medals in Gold and Silver from the Collection of James Spencer

Downpatrick, Downpatrick Union Agricultural Society (Inst. 1844), a silver award medal by Evans & Webb, farm animals, plough and harrow, haystack in background, rev. wreath, named (For the best Cow, J.W. Maxwell, Esq, Finnebrogue, 22nd June 1867), 44mm. Extremely fine and attractively toned, very rare (£150-200)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Irish Medals in Gold and Silver from the Collection of James Spencer.

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John Waring Maxwell (1788-1869) succeeded to the Perceval Maxwell estate at Finnebrogue, bordered by the river Quoile and Strangford lough, at the age of 14, although he took no active part in the management of his property portfolio until 1817, being on active service with the army. On 29 August 1817 he married Madeline, daughter of David Ker of Portavo, Donaghadee, an heiress, and began to devote himself to his inheritance. As a farmer and landlord he was well known and respected, purchasing the latest equipment, erecting magnificent barns and building up a renowned herd of purebred shorthorn cattle. In his day Finnebrogue employed a full-time staff of 75 and nearly 200 labourers. He was deeply involved in religion and local politics, serving as chairman of the Down Protestant Association, Conservative MP for Downpatrick from 1820-30 and again from 1832-5, as well as being a high-ranking member of the Orange Order. His portrait, painted c. 1850, is in Down County Museum. Much further detail is sold with the lot