Equestrian Medal - 4 Variations (Large Images!)
PonyPuller
Posts: 134 ✭✭
I've been collecting equestrian themed medals for several years now, and have been particularly fascinated by the evolution of this particular French design.
The first (and I think earliest) version of this particular design I found on a copper uni-face medal:
A few years later, I found a larger version, in silver, awarded in 1913 for a horse-race in Tunisia. Some additional changes have been made to the exergue:
Interestingly, I then came across a third variation of this design, done in copper and un-awarded. Here, it appears that the background has been removed, and replaced by steeple-chase jumps and course flags. The reverse is an oak and olive leaf wreath.
Just recently, I found a fourth version, in copper, in which all of the background has been removed, and the design used in conjunction with lettering. The reverse is a combination of a trumpeting angel and a wreath, no text.
I wonder how many times this design was re-used and re-incorporated into new medals. Has anyone seen any other versions of this particular design?
The first (and I think earliest) version of this particular design I found on a copper uni-face medal:
A few years later, I found a larger version, in silver, awarded in 1913 for a horse-race in Tunisia. Some additional changes have been made to the exergue:
Interestingly, I then came across a third variation of this design, done in copper and un-awarded. Here, it appears that the background has been removed, and replaced by steeple-chase jumps and course flags. The reverse is an oak and olive leaf wreath.
Just recently, I found a fourth version, in copper, in which all of the background has been removed, and the design used in conjunction with lettering. The reverse is a combination of a trumpeting angel and a wreath, no text.
I wonder how many times this design was re-used and re-incorporated into new medals. Has anyone seen any other versions of this particular design?
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Comments
The first copper medal (uniface, beaded obverse), bears no edge mint marks at all, suggeting a pre-1832 strike. It also looks older than the other pieces, and has much more detail in the background.
The latest medal, the copper "Societe Hippique De la Marne" bears a Paris Mint edge mark, which I believe is a cornucopia, used 1880 -1898 and again in 1901, but it is very difficult to tell, as the mark is very small and has little detail. The silver version is engraved with a 1913 award date on the reverse, but could very well have been struck before that date.
- Mark
I have seen Vernon before, but I am not sure if I have any horse themed vignettes of his.
I believe that I do have one of his that features the steam liner, Normandie. Strangely, I do not have a photo of it. Maybe take a photo in the near future.
DPOTD
These are the types I'm more familiar with with the name Vernon:
Normandie
Fables
Liberte
I have a few medals (pictures not forthcoming...at least not soon) where the same art was used but on different shapes, sizes, and used with multiple reverses. Nothing quite so interesting or dramatics as the one you posted. Mostly it appears as though the same die must have been used in a variety of ways, though the differently sized ones don't fit that idea.
Perhaps someone with a good medal text could look up Vernon and see if Jean had predecessors.
Very cool and interesting to see the evolution of this horse!
(edited to add, I too generally avoid the ones associated with racing, as with my sighthound medals...funny I do accept medals as with horses beasts of burden and dogs in some hunting scenarios, but not the racing--does that make me a bit of a hypocrite or am I just more accepting of the working animal when the work is for daily living and not for entertainment. Hm.).
Cathy
My issue with horse racing goes to my understanding that if a horse does not meet the grade, it is gratuitously destroyed. I suppose that a charge of hypocrisy may stand, but I can deal with it.
DPOTD
I'm no vegetarian (well I was for 2 years but got over it), but I see a big difference between the systematic maltreatment of a creature vs. making sound use of an animal. My current dog was a Spanish hunting dog who came from a rescue. She is a psychological mess and her galgeuro is known for treating his animals horribly, even amongst the other hunters. I understand the need to hunt for food, but I don't understand the need to torture an animal with a slow and agonizing death when it's no longer useful. Google 'galgo hunting' if you want to be ill seeing the 'traditional' end to hunting season.
Anyway, I avoid the racing themes, bullfighting themes and such. On the other hand I love the dog, horse themes in general., but more as appreciation for the critters rather than hurtful, wasteful or cruel aspects.
Anyway, I seem to have derailed this thread a wee bit, really this is a fascinating series of medals and the mystery is interesting. Going by the different initial, perhaps it was a relative of the Vernon I am more familiar with. Very interesting indeed and I appreciate the OPs posting and the following input.
Edited to add, I was only calling myself into question with the word hypocrite. I KNOW my stand on animal issues and know some would find my line in the sand somewhat arbitrary in nature, but that is all. It is not an indictment of any one else, just me
Virtus Collection - Renaissance and Baroque Medals