46

Medallions of George Washington and Ben Franklin

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:5,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Medallions of George Washington and Ben Franklin
Washington Related

Matched Set of Extremely Rare Circa 1777 Oval Portrait Medallions of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin

c. 1777 Revolutionary War Period. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Matched Set of Portrait Medallions. By Josiah Wedgwood and Thomas Bentley. Choice About New.

This original Matched Set of White Basalt on Light Blue Jasper Oval Cameo Portrait Medallions are Extremely Rare. The medallions were modeled by William Hackwood of the firm Wedgwood & Bentley. They each measure about 2" x 2.25" and are clearly identified on the blank reverse "Wedgwood & Bentley." These two Portrait Medallions have classic Roman Style representations of both Washington and Franklin.
The Franklin medallion is impressed below the truncation "DR. FRANKLIN". While the unnamed Portrait of George Washington is popularly known as the "Voltaire" bust. It was made by Wedgwood at the insistence of Voltaire himself. Since there were no official portraits of Washington available in England, this very classic style face was used as it seemed to display the principles for which Washington was known. (Set of 2).


Benjamin Franklin corresponded with Joshua Wedgwood and his partner Thomas Bentley. Both supported the cause of American liberty. However, sometime later Wedgwood stopped his support of the Patriots as it hurt his business, while privately remaining a closet supporter of American freedom.