Ancient, British and World Coins. Tokens, Tickets and Passes. Historical and Art Medals. British and World Paper Money.

United States of America, Naval Action on Lake Erie, 1813, a silver award medal, unsigned [ by M. Fürst], on behalf of the Government of Pennsylvania, uniformed bust of Admiral Oliver Perry right, no artist’s signature, reverse we have met the enemy: and they are ours, etc., named (Lieutenant Thomas Holdup), 59mm (Julian NA19). Very fine and very rare (£200-300)

During the War of American Independence, Admiral Oliver Hazard Perry (1785-1819) defeated an attacking British squadron on Lake Erie on 10 Sept. 1813. Perry held out until the British commander surrendered and his famous words “We have met the enemy and they are ours” reflected history’s first capitulation of an entire British naval squadron. Perry’s victory made the Ohio valley immune to British attack and simultaneously opened part of Upper Canada to American invasion. A list of British troops serving on HMS Detroit who were either killed and wounded is sold with the lot