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

Great Britain, Centenary of the Founding of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, 1947, a model for the obverse of a medal by T.H. Paget, bust of Sir George Stephenson three-quarters left, GEORGE STEPHENSON above, PRESIDENT 1847-1848 below, 102mm (cf. Sotheby 15.x.1984, not represented). Extremely fine and as made; housed in a glazed frame by J.J. Patrickson, 129 Fulham Road, London SW3; with loop on the back for hanging (£60-80)

Sir George Stephenson (1781-1848), built his first locomotive in 1814. When the Stockton and Darlington railway was projected, he was retained as the company’s engineer and persuaded the owners to use steam power, building Locomotion, the line’s first railway engine. After the line was opened in 1825, Stephenson moved to the Liverpool and Manchester railway, where he and his son Robert built the Rocket in 1829, the engine which won the Rainhill Trials preparatory to the line opening in 1830. In 1847 Stephenson became founder-president of the Birmingham-based Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Contemporary Royal Mint reports are silent on the existence of the medal