Auction Catalogue

17 December 2007

Starting at 1:30 PM

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Historical and Art Medals, Numismatic Books

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

Lot

№ 1336

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17 December 2007

Hammer Price:
£160

20th Century, Marriage of the Duke of Kent and Princess Marina of Greece, 1934, a bronze medal by V. Phailireas, conjoined busts left, rev. crowned arms and supporters, 69mm (E 2028; Spink 5, –). Very fine, rare (£120-150)

Prince George, Duke of Kent (1902-42), fourth son of George V, was described in some circles as the most interesting, intelligent and cultivated member of his generation of the royal family, perhaps on account of the number of pre- and post-marital affairs he is reported to have conducted with both men and women, including most notably the actor Noël Coward. He was killed in a plane crash, while on active service with the RAF, in Caithness, Scotland, on 25 August 1942, six weeks after the birth of his youngest son, Prince Michael of Kent. Princess Marina (1906-68), long-time president of the Wimbledon-based All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, herself died of a brain tumour