The medals of Soho near Birmingham
1798 British Victories of 1798 Medal Gilt - Bust Type 3a

Owner Comments:

The British celebrated many military victories both on land and sea in 1798. Proud of these accomplishments, and always looking to turn a profit, Matthew Boulton seized the opportunity to produce a medal to celebrate these victories. Pollard (1970) notes that this medal is Küchler’s earliest depiction of George III, but that contemporary documentation suggests that it was not struck until 1800. He further notes that this medal is only known to exist with what he cataloged as Obverse 3a. Brown (1970) confirms this information and notes that it is found in silver gilt, copper gilt, and copper. Although NGC did not specify, this is a gilt copper example. I only know this because a small fleck of brown can be seen on the edge. To this end, Brown would rate this medal as Very Rare.

Historical Context:

The Battle of the Nile was likely the most publicized of the victories achieved in 1798. As collectors likely already know, it was celebrated with a specific commission so I will forgo any discussion of that historical event here. Instead, I would like to focus on the Battle of Tory Island. Students of history will likely be very familiar with the events that unfolded and the significance they had to England’s domestic security, but they have not had the opportunity to read a contemporary report.

In the section below I provide a series of related texts published in the London Gazette. The first, dated October 21st, 1798 details the initial dispatch from John B. Warren to Vice-Admiral Kingsmill announcing the victory at Tory Island. It reads:

Admiralty-Office, October 21, 1798.

LIEUTENANT WATERHOUSE arrived here late last Night with the Duplicate of a Dispatch from Sir John Borlase Warren, Bart, and K. B. Captain of His Majesty's Ship Canada, to Vice-Admiral Kingsmill, of which the following is a Copy:

Canada, Lough Swilly, Ireland, 16th October, 1798.

SIR,

IN pursuance of the Orders and Instructions I received by the Kangaroo, I proceeded with the Ships named in the Margin [Canada, Robust, Foudroyant, and Magnanime], off Achill-Head, and on the 10th Instant, I was joined by His Majesty's Ships Melampus and Doris, the latter of whom I directed to look out for the Enemy off Tory Island, and the Rosses; in the Evening of the same Day, the Amelia appeared in the Offing, when Captain Herbert informed me he had parted with the Ethalion, Anson, and Sylph, who, with great Attention, had continued to observe the French Squadron since their sailing on the 17th Ultimo. In the Morning of the 11th , however, these Two ships also fell in with us, and at Noon the Enemy were discovered in the N. W. Quarter, consisting of One Ship of Eighty Guns, Eight Frigates, a Schooner, and a Brig. I immediately made the Signal for a. general Chace, and to form in Succession as each Ship arrived up with the Enemy, who, from their great Distance to Windward, and a hollow Sea, it was impossible to come up with before the 12th.

The Chace was continued in very bad and boisterous Weather all Day of the 11t h , and the following Night, when at Half past Five A. M. they were seen at a little Distance to Windward, the Line of Battle Ship having lost her Main Top Mast.

The Enemy bore down and formed their Line in close Order upon the Starboard Tack, and from the Length of the Chace, and our Ships being spread, it was impossible to close with them before Seven A. M. when I made the Robust's Signal to lead, which was obeyed with much Alacrity, and the Rest of the Ships to form in Succession in the Rear of the Van.

The Action commenced at Twenty Minutes past Seven o'Clock A. M. the Rosses bearing S. S. W. Five Leagues, and at Eleven, the Hoche, after a gallant Defence, struck ; and the Frigates made Sail from us : the Signal to pursue the Enemy-was. made immediately, and in Five Hours afterwards Three of the Frigates hauled down their Colours also; but they, as well as the Hoche, were obstinately defended, all of them being heavy Frigates, and, as well as the Ship of the Line, entirely new; full of Troops and Stores, with every Necessary for the Establishment of their Views and Plans io Ireland.

I am happy to say, that the Efforts and Conduct of every Officer and Man in the Squadron seemed to have been actuated by the same Spirit, Zeal, and Unanimity, in their King and Country's Cause; and I feel myself under, great Obligation to them, as well as the Officers and Men of this Ship, for their Exertions upon this Occasion; which will, I hope, recommend them to their Lordships' Favour.

I left Captain Thornbrough after the Action; with the Magnanime, Ethalion, and Amelia, with the Prizes; and am sorry to find he is not arrived; but trust they will soon make their Appearance.

I have the Honor to remain, SIR,

Your most obedient humble Servant,

JN. WARREN.

P.S.—The Ships with us in the Action were, the Canada, Robust, Foudroyant, Magnanime, - Ethalion, Melampus, and Amelia.

The Anson joined us in the latter Part of the Action, having, lost her Mizen-Mast in Chace the Day before.

I have sent my First Lieutenant Turguand to take the Command of the Hoche.

The details provided paint a detailed picture of what must have been an incredible scene to witness. Despite the decisive victory, the full account was yet to be made at the time of the initial letter detailed above. We will not get additional details published in the London Gazette until November. The account below is out of order relative to the publication, but it is directly related to the conflict at Tory Island. It is here that we learn of the number of wounded and killed on both sides and information about the captured French Vessels. It reads:

Admiralty-Office, November 20, 1798.

Copy of a Letter from Commodore Sir John Borlase Warren, K. B. io Evan Nepean, Esq; dated on board the Canada, Plymouth-Dock, 18th November, 1798.

SIR,

I Have been waiting with great Anxiety the Arrival of the Robust and La Hoche at this Port to enable me to make a Return of the Killed and Wounded in the different Ships under my Orders upon the 12th October last ; but, as I understand those Ships may be still further detained by Repairs at Lough Swilly, I send the inclosed, which it was impossible for me to obtain before the present Moment, as the Whole Squadron was separated in Chace of the flying Enemy, and have successively arrived at this Port; it was impracticable, therefore, to communicate the Particulars to their Lordships sooner, or to state the very gallant Conduct of Captains Thornbrough and De Courcy, in the Robust and Magnanime, who, from their Position in the Van on that Day, were enabled to close with the Enemy early in the Action, and were zealously and bravely seconded by every other Ship of the Squadron, as well as by the Intrepidity displayed by the Anson in the Evening, in obeying my Signal to harass the Enemy, and in beating off their Frigates.

For further Particulars I refer their Lordships to the Letters they may have received from Captains Countess and Moore of the Ethalion and Melampus.

I am happy in reflecting that so many Advantages to His Majesty's Arms have been purchased with so inconsiderable a Loss in the Ships of the Squadron.

I have the Honor to remain, Sir,

Your most obedient humble Servant,

JOHN WARREN.

A Return of the Killed and Wounded on board the Squadron of His Majesty's Ships under the Orders of Sir John Borlase Warren, Bart. K. B. in the Action with a Squadron of French Ships, on the 12th October, 1798.

Canada. 1 Seaman wounded; since dead.

Foudroyant. 9 Seamen wounded.

Robust. No Return. But I understand the First Lieutenant Mr. M'Colby lost his Arm, and One Marine Officer was killed.

Magnanime. 7 Seamen wounded.

Ethalion. 1 Seaman killed, 4 Seamen wounded.

Melampus. 1 Seaman wounded.

Amelia. No Return.

Anson. 2 Seamen killed, 2 Petty Officers, 8 Seamen, 3 Marines wounded.

Total. 3 Seamen killed. 2 Petty Officers, 30 Seamen, 3 Marines, wounded.

(Signed) JOHN WARREN.

A List of a Squadron of the French Republic in the Engagement on the 12th October, 1798, on the Coast of Ireland, with a Squadron of His Majesty's Ships under the Orders of Captain. Sir John Borlase Warren, Bart. K. B.

La Hoche, 84 Guns, (no Return,) Commodore Bompard ; Monsieur Hardi, Commander in Chief of the Army, Monsieur Simon, Adjutant-General. Taken by Sir John Borlase Warren's Squadron.

La Coquille, 40 Guns, 580 Men, Captain Deperon. Taken by Ditto.

L'Ambuscade, 36 Guns, 559 Men, Captain Clement la Konsieur. Taken by Ditto.

La Resolue, 36 Guns, 510 Men, Captain Berjeat. Taken by Ditto.

La Bellone, 40 Guns, 240 Seamen, 340 Troops, Captain Jacob. Taken by Ditto.

L'Immortalite, 40 Guns, 580 "Men, Captain Le Grand ; General of Brigade, Monsieur Menage Taken by the Fisgard.

La Romaine, 40 Guns, Captain Berguine. Escaped.

La Loire, 44 Guns, (no Return,) Captain- Second. Taken by the Anston.

La Simielante, 36 Guns, Captain La Costune. Escaped.

La Biche, 8 Guns, Schooner. Escaped.

Killed and Wounded on board the French Ships.

La Coquille. 18 killed, 31 wounded.

L'Ambuscade. 15 killed, 26 wounded.

La Resolue. 15 killed, 16 wounded.

La Bellone. 20 killed, 45 wounded.

Total. 68 killed, 118 wounded.

JOHN WARREN.

Evan Nepean, Esq;

The Battle of Tory Island was a strategically important victory that came at a low cost relative to the heavy losses suffered by the French. Not only were several French Vessels captured, but the victory effectively put an end to both the Irish Rebellion and any risk of French Land invasion. King and country certainly had a lot to be proud of. This point is very clear in the King’s speech on November 20th, 1798 which was reproduced in the London Gazette. It reads:

This Day His Majesty came to the House of Peers, and being in His Royal Robes, seated on the Throne with the usual Solemnity, Sir Francis Molyneux, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, was sent with a Message from His Majesty to the House of Commons, commanding their Attendance in the House of Peers. The Commons being come thither accordingly, His Majesty was pleased to make the following most gracious Speech:

My Lords, and Gentlemen,

The Events which have taken place in the Course of the present Year, and the signal Success which, by the Blessing of Providence, has attended My Arms, have been productive of the happiest Consequences, and have essentially promoted the Prosperity and Glory of Our Country.

The unexampled Series of Our Naval Triumphs has received fresh Splendor from the memorable and decisive Action in which a Detachment of My Fleet, under the Command of Rear-Admiral Lord Nelson, attacked and almost totally destroyed a superior Force of the Enemy, strengthened by every Advantage of Situation: By this great and brilliant Victory, an Enterprise of which the Injustice, Perfidy, and Extravagance, had fixed the Attention of the World, and which was peculiarly directed against same of the most valuable Interests of the British Empire, has, in the first Instance, been turned to the Confusion of its Authors; and the Blow thus given to the Power, and Influence of France has afforded an Opening which, if improved by suitable Exertions on the Part of other Powers, may lead to the general Deliverance of Europe.

The Wisdom and Magnanimity so eminently displayed at this Conjuncture by the Emperor of Russia, and the Decision and Vigour of the Ottoman Forte, have shewn that those Powers are impressed: with a just Sense of the present Crisis; and their Example, joined to the Disposition manifested almost universally in the different Countries straggling under the Yoke of France, must be a powerful Encouragement to other States to adopt that vigorous Line of Conduct, which Experience has proved to be alone consistent with Security or Honor.

The Extent of Our Preparations at Home, and the Demonstrations of Zeal and Spirit among all Ranks of My Subjects, have deterred the Enemy from attempting to execute their vain Threat of invading the Coasts of this Kingdom.

In Ireland, the Rebellion which they had instigated has been curbed and repressed; the Troops which they landed for its Support have been compelled to surrender; and the Armaments since destined for the same Purpose have, by the Vigilance and Activity of My Squadrons, been captured or dispersed. The Views and Principles of those who, in Concert with Our inveterate Enemy, have long planned the Subversion of Our Constitution, have been fully detected and exposed, and their Treasons made manifest to the World. Those whom they had misled or seduced must now be awakened to their Duty; and a just Sense of the Miseries and Horrors which these traitorous Designs have produced, must impress on the Minds of all My faithful- Subjects the Necessity of continuing to repel with Firmness every Attack on the Laws and established Government of their Country.

The speech continues, but it is political and simply pleads the case for continued funding of the war with France. The King reiterates his desire to maintain the credit of the nation while simultaneously raising its stature. As expected, the King points to Providence as its benefactor and sends wishes for continued prosperity throughout the kingdom. Although the bulk of the speech is likely in recognition of Nelson’s victory, the King makes specific mention of the Battle of Tory Island. Interestingly, he mentions at length that those misled must be brought back to the fold to resume their duties to the King and Country. Despite an open rebellion among his subjects, he blames the French for its existence. I suppose the King opted to ignore history in this instance.

Obverse: George III is depicted facing left wearing armor that protects his chest and back (i.e., cuirassed). His hair is tightly pulled into a single thick strand tied behind his head with a ribbon double wrapped around the strand and secured by a knot with two bows and a single loose end. Almost immediately below the knot, the hair forms several strands of large curls. One rests on his left shoulder while the others fall behind his back. The lowest curl nearly touches the last letter of the legend. A curl is tightly wrapped around his back and protrudes under the bust. Three rows of tightly looped curls appear just above his ear, the lowest of which conceals all but his earlobe. A tightly drawn scarf covers the King's neck and is partially obscured by a series of ruffles from what appears lacey fabric closest to the King’s chest. The lacey fabric is superseded by a thicker fabric that protrudes from his breastplate in large curvy swells. The breastplate is decorated with what appears to be a face in the immediate center. A large curvy ribbon is draped around the King’s shoulders and partially obscures the less intricate design found on the breastplate and the armor wrapped around his left shoulder. Attached to this ribbon is an oval medal with a series of twenty well-formed beads (I assume these are meant to represent gems) containing yet another oval of smaller beads. A depiction of St. George slaying a dragon appears in the center of the medallion. It is worth noting that the bottom portion of the medallion bisects the inner rim of the obverse but does not extend to the edge. His left shoulder protrudes out toward the viewer and is covered by a thick fabric which is superseded by a thinner ruffled fabric and the edge of the armor. Three equally spaced dots appear on the lightly striated truncation of the left shoulder. The engraver signed his work in the exergue between the inner rim and the truncation of the bust. It reads C · H · KÜCHLER . FEC.. The obverse legend is divided by the King’s portrait. The obverse legend appears above the bust closely in line with the inner rim. It reads GEORGIUS III · D : G · on the left, and M · BR · FR · ET H · REX·. The entire obverse design (albeit the portion of the medallion) is contained within a slightly raised inner rim, which is superseded by a substantially wider rim of greater relief. A small lump appears on the edge of the medal at 7 o’clock. Although no argument has been made specific to this medal, other Soho Medals with this peculiar lump have been argued to be presentation copies designated for notable individuals. The argument is that the lump helped delineate the ordinary medals from the presentation pieces.

Reverse: The reverse design is relatively intricate and includes many minor details that I do not feel necessary to describe at length. Nonetheless, I will provide a general description of the amazing scene that paints a clear allegorical representation of the victories of 1798. The central object of the reverse design is a seated Britannia facing right. She is wearing a plumed helmet and armor on her chest. The remaining portions of her figure are covered in the typically encountered loosely flowing robes. Her left arm is extended out and upward. She supports an angle-like figure with outstretched wings in her left hand. Her right arm rests upon an oval shield that adorns the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew (heraldically colored). Her wrist is wrapped around a spear that partially obscures the shield. At the base are three stacked cannon balls, which obscure a relatively small, mounted cannon. A drum, rifle, and several other arms are depicted in the background. At least two banners droop towards the ground behind Britannia. Her left leg is extended out, but the right leg is bent and points towards the viewer. Her right foot sits upon a shield (I assume this is likely French). A massive cannon with a French Design is depicted resting on the foreground immediately in front of her left leg. A rope is wrapped over the cannon, and a tightly formed coil of rope can be seen behind it. An anchor protrudes from behind the cannon. A series of arms are depicted in the background. Two banners droop towards the ground in front of Britannia. Centered below Britannia’s left foot appears a raised area of the foreground, which contains the engraver's initials C.H.K. The foreground is sharply cut by a vertical line. A legend appears in three lines within the exergue, AVITUM TRANSCENDIT HONOREM MDCCXCVIII.. The main legend, in a much larger font, appears wrapped around the upper portion of the medal above the main devices. It reads MARI VICTRIX TERRAQUE INVICTA.. It is worth noting that the “C” in “VICTRIX” is pierced by the tip of Britannia’s spear. The entire reverse design is contained within a slightly raised inner rim, which is superseded by a substantially wider rim of greater relief.

Edge: Plain

Size: 48mm

Notes: I bought this piece online from terrible quality images. I thought it might have been struck in white metal as the seller did not specify. Imagine my surprise when I open the package to find a problem-free gilt specimen of a popular Soho Mint Medal! The copper versions of this medal are common, so I am in no hurry to acquire one. That said, I likely do not have the same privilege of choice when it comes to the silver gilt example.

Sadly, I am horrible at capturing images of gilt pieces. This will be abundantly clear within the set discussing the Soho Mint tokens. To this end, please envision a nice evenly colored gilt specimen with an admittedly notable amount of hairlines commensurate with the assigned grade.

References:

Brown, L. A. (1980). A Catalogue of British Historical Medals: Vol. I The Accession of George III to the Death of William IV 1760-1837. London: Seaby Publications Ltd.

Pollard, J. G. (1970). Matthew Boulton and Conrad Heinrich Küchler. The Numismatic Chronicle, 10, 259-318.