Coins, Tokens and Historical Medals

National Edition of Shakespeare’s Works, 1803, a silver Subscriber’s medal by C.H. Küchler for J. and J. Boydell, similar, edge named (Fenton Cawthorne Esqr), 48mm (Pollard 28; BHM 553; E 950). Good very fine, toned; an interesting recipient £100-£200

John Fenton, later Fenton-Cawthorne (1753-1831), MP for Lincoln, 1783-96 and thrice for Lancaster between 1806 and his death, colonel of the Westminster Regiment of Middlesex Militia, was court-martialled in 1795 for embezzling guineas intended to pay his troops. Found guilty on seven of fourteen charges levelled against him, he was cashiered as “unworthy of serving His Majesty in any military capacity whatever, having acted fraudulently and in a scandalous and infamous manner”. In later life he lived at his country seat, Wyreside Hall, near Forton. Sold with much further background information