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

Killyleagh, North East Agricultural Society of Ireland (Est. 1826), a silver award medal by J. Jones, animals on farm, artisan ploughing at right, rev. wreath, named (Adjudged to Mr Jas. Johnston, Killileagh Branch, for a Draft Brood Mare and Foal, Autumn Show, 1835), 49mm. Minor surface marks and rim nicks on reverse, otherwise almost very fine and 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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Provenance:
DNW Auction 68A, 15 December 2005, lot 1446.

James Johnston, fifth son of James and Mary Johnston, Ballywoolen House, co Down, was a prominent member of the Killyleagh, Killinchy, Kilmood and Tullynakill (KKKT) branch of the North East Agricultural Society of Ireland, along with his brothers Robert, who was treasurer in 1834, and John. From the 1820s both he and his employees won numerous prizes and medals for livestock and produce. Johnston died tragically in an accident at Balloo while driving his pony and trap on 11 January 1844, returning from a meeting of the society; he was 46 years of age. A memorial to him was erected opposite the entrance to the Presbyterian church in Killyleagh, which survives to this day. Further details of the issuer and the accident are described in ‘A Deplorable Accident’ by Hilary Napier, in Dufferin Chronicles, No. 2, a photocopy of the relevant page of which is sold with the lot