PREVIEW: THE SILICH COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL & ART MEDALS: PART I1: 5 MARCH

Two of the great attractions of historical and art medals are the sheer artistry displayed by those who design them, and the numerous purposes for which they were struck.

Brought together by the late David Nicholas Silich (1944-2018), the lots in this sale and the first from the collection held exactly a year ago present the work of more than 900 artists, medallists and sculptors.

 

This auction features examples whose purposes range from marking the 1907 Peace Conference in The Hague to honouring the riggers who built America’s skyscrapers. The medals come from all over the world, so many of them extraordinary miniature works of art with connections that draw back the veil on forgotten achievements.

One such among the highlights is the 51mm gold award medal created by Blanche Ames for the Medallic Art Co on behalf of the U.S.A., American Orchid Society.

The American Orchid Society’s Gold Medal of Achievement, for distinguished work in orchid culture, in scientific research on orchids or for outstanding service, was first awarded to Blanche Ames herself, along with her husband Oakes Ames, and Guerney Wilson on 9 May 1924.

A Renaissance woman, as well as being an orchid expert, Blanche was an artist and illustrator, and mastered the craft of copperplate etching. A women’s rights activist, during the Second World War she also invented a device for snaring low-flying aircraft.

Her design here, depicts a native American brave kneeling, tending to an orchid on the obverse, and the reverse is inscribed for Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bt, for Group of Orchids from England, Boston International Show, May 1924.

Sir Jeremiah Colman, 1st Bt (1859-1942), was the scion of the Colman’s Mustard company, and lived at Gatton Park, Reigate, where he amassed one of the world’s largest collections of orchids.

The medal comes in its original green fitted case with a relevant label taped to the lid, and the estimate is £2,400-3,000.