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Gilt Medal: Explosion of a Powder-Ship. Leiden 1807

Date:- 1807 - Classification:- Event; Commemorative

Country of Origin:- Netherlands -

Description

Marvin considers that this is very rare, and knew of only two impressions in America;

Obverse,—A woman kneeling beside an altar, the front of which is adorned with a circle formed by a serpent devouring its tail, within which is “ L.” Behind thme altar stands a skeleton representing Death; his scythe is held back by a hand stretched from the clouds above on the right. In the background are the ruined houses of the city; above, on the left, is the radiant sun, in exergue, in three lines,” Die 12 Jan. Deus Nos Omnes Servavit” (0n the 12th of January God preserved us all). Over the exergue, on the left, “ Wilno,” in small letters. Legend, “ Virtutis sociis Fraterno More Ligatis Prospera Contingit Claudere Lustra Decem, Die 19 Oct. 5807” (It was vouchsafed to the brethren of the Lodge of Virtue, bound in fraternal manner, to complete 10 prosperoua lustrums (50 years), Oct. 19, 1807).

Reverse.—A small shield at the top, bearing the arms of the city of, Leyden—two crossed keys. Below, two elegiac couplets arranged in nine lines, “Dum repetet subitam tibi Rex, tua Leida ruinam, Reddetur gratae debitus urbis amor. Virtutis nomen fratrum laudesque manebunt, dam pietas miseris dulce levamen enit S. S. V. D, E,” (Literally, until, oh King, sudden ruin shall again seek thy Leyden, the love which is your due from a grateful city shall be rendered,

Properties

Oval: 38 X 46 mm. Gilt