Lot 793
1805 George Washington "Eccleston" Medal in Copper, Extremely Fine. 76 mm. Baker 85. The best description for this medal can be found in Russ Rulau & George Fuld's "Medallic Portraits of Washington, 2nd Ed.", as follows: "Published by Daniel Eccleston of Lancaster, England. Dies cut by Thomas Webb, a British engraver who worked 1804-1827. This piece seemed to be issued with a twist of subtle satire. The obverse of the medal depicts Washington in a heavy suit of armor - 'a singular conceit,' notes Baker. The reverse has an Indian standing head downcast, with an arrow in his right hand and leaning on a bow. The, surrounding the Indian at center are the words THE LAND WAS OURS. The medal appears to be more of a commentary on the expropriation by colonists of Indian lands than a tribute to Washington. In fact the engraver chose armor to depict Washington as a warrior. Eccleston, an eccentric Quaker, had a lifelong interest in aboriginal rights…"
Estimated Value $800 - 1,200.
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| Realized $810 |
