Early American and Betts Medals
ca. 1780 British Admiral Rodney Portrait Seal. Glass and Silver. Extremely Fine.
41.3 x 26 mm overall. 10.06 grams. Intaglio uniformed bust of Admiral Rodney left, after a portrait by James Tassie, on red glass or stone mounted in looped silver bezel. George Brydges Rodney (1719-1792) was a British naval officer who received great public acclaim in England after his defeat of the French in April 1782 at the Battle of the Saintes. This was the greatest naval victory of the American Revolutionary War and although Britain may have lost the American colonies, this event was still cause for huge celebrations back home. Many types of souvenirs were produced for the victory celebrations, this intaglio seal among them. A red clay impression of the seal is also included in this lot. (Total: 2 items)
Estimate: $1000