Ancient, British and World Coins and Banknotes

John Kendal, 1480, a cast bronze portrait medal of Italian manufacture, bust right with long hair, rev. arms, 55mm (Hill 934; MI I, 17/3; E 19). A good and possibly original cast, but later gilding applied over the rather worn surface; reverse about fine, obverse better (£100-200)

John Kendal was Turcopolier (Colonel General of Infantry) at the time of the siege of Rhodes by the Turks. The post was annexed to that of Grand Bailiff of England. He was also Prior of the Order of St. John in London and Grand Master, and the task of recruiting for troops, especially in Ireland, to fight the Turks fell to him. Illustration reduced