Ancient, Celtic, British, Irish and World Coins, Tokens, and Historical Medals

Great Britain, National Art Competition, 1857, large electrotype uniface medallion by Antoine Vechte, allegorical figures around central medallion of Victoria, 145mm, in case of issue (BDM VI, p 213-214; cf. Coins and Medals, August, 1966, p. 513). Extremely fine and of exceptionally good workmanship, case rather worn and stained to inside lid, very rare (£80-120)

Vechte, Antoine (1800-1868), sculptor and goldsmith. For many years he worked for Hunt and Roskell of New Bond Street and excelled in very low relief metal work. One of his finest works is a vase, now in the Louvre. This is one of only two medallions he made, the other, of the Virgin Mary, is described by Forrer as “marvellously beautiful”.