Livery Company Awards, Worshipful Company of Coopers, a silver badge, unsigned, arms and supporters, back named (John Mansir, 1787), stamped imf and with George III hallmark, 33mm (Garnett pl.i, 1; E 738). Good very fine and toned, very rare; with ring for suspension (£50-70)

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

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While it is tempting to equate the maker’s mark imf with John Milton, who commenced medallic work in 1785 and became third engraver at the Mint in 1787, it is by no means certain that this piece has anything to do with him, nor for that matter is it certain who engraved the very first badges for the Coopers in 1773 (Garnett p.114)