Ancient, British and World Coins, Tokens, Historical Medals and Banknotes

Alessandro Anzani, 1909, a gold award medal by M.A. Baüer, bust three-quarters left, head facing, reverse a three-cylinder Anzani aero engine, the propellor blades inscribed TRAVERSÉE DE LA MANCHE 25 JUILLET 1909, tablet below, un-named, 30mm, 17.55gm. With clip and ring for suspension, extremely fine and extremely rare; in maroon (non-original) fitted case by Philip Frès, 3 rue de la Paix, Paris; top of lid stamped J.P. (£150-200)

Alessandro Anzani, engineer, was a leading exponent of the familiar radial three cylinder aero engine, one of which was used by Blériot when he made the first Channel crossing. Anzani made his first engines in 1906. His talents also extended to engines for cars, motor-cycles and power boats. His engines enjoyed much popularity during the inter-War years