This
is a LARGE MAGNIFICENT AND VERY RARE original bronze medal by G F
Pidgeon, struck in 1819 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the
death of Matthew Boulton, this example having an edge inscribed
by Boulton's son Matthew Robinson Boulton, presenting the medal to a
friend of his father.
The obverse bears a fine portrait bust (after P Rouw) of Matthew
Boulton facing right, his head bare, hair tied behind, wearing a jacket
and a lace-frilled shirt, inscribed above MATTHAEVS BOVLTON. The reverse
bears an inscription in latin within an open wreath, which translates
as AND THOSE WHO HAVE ENRICHED LIFE BY DISCOVERING ARTS [a quote from
Virgil's Aenid VI, 663]. Most examples of this medal have a plain edge,
however, this example of the medal is particularly rare:-
the edge being stamped with incuse lettering PATRIS AMICIS M.R.B.
MDCCCXVIIII [translates as MATTHEW ROBINSON BOULTON DEDICATES THIS TO
THE FRIENDS OF HIS FATHER, 1819].
A very
fine and rare medal in superb condition. For reference, see British
Historical Medals, number 976, which states "Some specimens have an edge
inscription in impressed capitals [as above]. These are very much rarer
than those specimens with a plain edge. The letters M.R.B. in this
legend are the initials of Boulton's son and successor Matthew Robinson
Boulton, who issued the medal."
