Creator Biography
Medallist Frank Bowcher was born in England in 1864, and he was trained at the National Art Training School, currently known as the Royal College of Art, in South Kensington. Before establishing himself as a medallist, he learned the techniques of sculptor in the E Onslow Ford Studio, but eventually began working in French medallic art. Bowcher created this medal for the company Spink & Son.
Preview
Geography
England
Culture
British
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Diameter: 3 in. (7.6 cm)
Weight: 7.0 oz. (198.2 g)
Credit Line
Gift in Loving Memory of Boris Blick & Judith Rosenbloom Blick by their daughter Sarah Blick, 2024
Accession Number
2015.159.6
Provenance
Though unspecific to this medal, as of February 2025, Professor Sarah Blick recalled the following details in regard to where her father's collection of medals may have been acquired:
She first mentioned that her father frequented Stagecoach Antiques on West Market Street while he lived in Akron, Ohio in 1964. Additionally, Her father purchased medals from Don Barrett at City Bank Antiques in Kent, Ohio. For the most part, however, his collection did not truly start coming together until he retired in 1990.
Additional Antique Shops Visited:
Cropley Circle Antiques - 1451 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Akron, OH, 44321.
Medina Antique Mall - 2797 Medina Rd, Medina, OH 44256
Condition
This medal is in great condition, with only small areas of oxidation on the reverse. This oxidation is mainly concentrated near the top. (February 2025)
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings
Obverse:
VICTORIA · DEI · GRA : BRITT : REGINA · FID : DEF : IND : IMP
LX
IN COMMEMO CRATIONEM ANNI REGNI
MDCCCXCVII
Reverse:
HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE
DIEUT ET MON DROT
THE BRITISH EMPIRE
A.D. 1897
RD285992 / PEACE LOVE AND UNION
SPINK & SON / LONDON
Description
The obverse of this medal shows the profile of Queen Victoria looking to the left. There is much attention to the details of the Queen’s dress, featuring a crown as well as an intricate lace headpiece, a crown of leaves, jewelry, and what appear to be medals decorating her bosom. The negative space surrounding the queen is filled with inscriptions, and the letters “LX” float to her right in front of a branch with flowers. A band wrapping around the edge of the medal reads, “VICTORIA · DEI · GRA : BRITT : REGINA · FID : DEF : IND : IMP”, with the Roman numeral for 1897 directly below the Queen’s profile.
The reverse of the medal highlights the Great Britain Coat of Arms, and wrapped around the edge reads the 56 countries in which Britain had territory. At the very bottom of the medal, the words “PEACE LOVE AND UNION”, can be found written inside a circle. The circle is split into four different sections by holding hands, which is often a symbol of friendship.