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Details
A GEORGE III ENAMELLED GOLD FREEDOM BOX
LONDON 1794, MAKER'S MARK I.M. POSSIBLY FOR JOHN MERRY
Rectangular, chased with border of oak leaves interspersed with shells and rosette, the cover set with an enamelled medallion depicting a coat-of-arms within the Order of the Bath and a border of berried laurel with coronet above, flanked on each side by military trophies on a sablé ground, the side panels applied with medallions enamelled with the arms of the City of London on the front, the initials CG on each side and a defeated personification of a French Marianne on the back, all framed by cornucopia on the front and military trophies on the other panels, the underside with central panel of polished gold, the inside of the cover engraved with inscription, marked in cover, base and on flange
4 in. (10.2 cm.) long
gross weight 10 oz. 12 dwt. (330 gr.)
The inscription inside the cover reads: 'Le Mesurier Mayor. A Common Council Holden in the Chamber of the Guildhall of the City of London on Tuesday the 27th day of May 1794. Resolved unanimously that the Freedom of this city be presented to Sir Charles Grey K.B. in testimony of the high Esteem of the Citizens of London for his gallant Conduct and essential Service, whereby glorious and important advantages have been obtained by his Majesty's Military Forces under his Command in the West Indies'.
The initials CG are for Sir Charles Grey K.B. (1729-1807).
Provenance
Presented on the 27 May 1794 by Sir Paul Le Mesurier (1755-1805), Lord Mayor of London to,
Sir Charles Grey K.B. (1729-1807) later created Earl Grey and Viscount Howick in 1806.
Anonymous sale; Christie's, Rome, 1 December 1992, lot 209a.
Special notice
This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.