Special Collections

Sold on 8 September 1998

1 part

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A Collection of Historical Medals - The Property of a European Collector

Lot

№ 976

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8 September 1998

Hammer Price:
£75

National Edition of Shakespeare’s Works, 1803, a silver medal by C.H. Küchler for J. and J. Boydell, Shakespeare seated on rock, flanked by figures of Drama and Painting, reverse legend, edge named (Samuel Wilde, Esqr.), 48mm (Pollard 28; BHM 553; E 950). Minor graze in field by figure of Drama, otherwise brilliant and practically as struck, attractively toned (£40-60)

John Boydell (1719-1804), together with his nephew and partner Josiah Boydell (1752-1817), published a limited edition of Shakespeare’s works in 1802 and a folio collection of prints illustrative of the bard’s plays in 1803. Medals were given to each subscriber of the limited edition, although the medal was not issued until 1805