MEDALLION 906341

Description: Two early-modern lead alloy 'Billy & Charleys' or 'Shadwell forgeries' of Mernick's badges series (http://www.mernick.org.uk/B&C/badges.htm). Both have parallels in the Museum of London, noted in the undated badges (also named undated medals) section of the website. The smaller badge weighs 74.4g and measures 91mm x 76mm. One face depicts a king's head (no.3) facing with 13 01 to either side, the other face depicts an open-beaked pecking bird right. It has a trefoil loop. Reference: Mernick 132 The larger badge weighs 106.4g and measures 98mm x 83mm. One face depicts a king's head (no.5) facing with m Q to either side, the other face depicts a soldier with 0 1 to either side and holding a sword in one hand and a spear in the other. It has a triangular loop. Reference: Mernick 133 With thanks to Jon Milward, Bournemouth University, for the measurements and images. He further comments that XRF analysis confirms the objects contain 90% lead with some tin and other metals. William Smith (Billy) and Charles Eaton (Charley) were forgers who produced, between 1857 and 1870, thousands of objects in lead and brass, intended to dupe a public eager to acquire examples of the sorts of medieval antiquities being discovered in an ever growing London (http://www.mernick.org.uk/B&C/history.htm).

Date: 1857 - 1870

Object type: MEDALLION

Last import: September 22, 2022