Coins, Historical Medals and Antiquities

A unique gold medal of Edward VIII:

Nautical College, Pangbourne, King’s Medal, a gold award by T.H. Paget, bust of Edward VIII left, rev. legend, wreath below, edge named (George L. Bown, 1936), 45mm, 18ct, hallmarked rj London 1936 [the initials of Sir Robert Arthur Johnson, Deputy Master and Comptroller of the Royal Mint 1922-38], 57.60g (Giordano CM 157; Cheek, BNJ 2018, pp.177-80). Brilliant and virtually as struck, of the highest rarity; in official maroon case, the lid gilt-blocked with Edward VIII’s cypher

together with:

A gold open-faced keyless Swiss watch:
Movement: damascened, lever escapement;
Dial: silvered, sunburst, Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds;
Case: 9ct gold, hinged back with inscription (Nautical College Pangbourne, Presented by The Elder Brethren of Trinity House to Chief Cadet Captain C.L. Bown, winner of The King’s Gold Medal 1936), hallmarked Birmingham 1934;
Movement unsigned, Dennison case, diameter 46.5mm.
Movement: running at the time of cataloguing; dial: refinished; case: scuffs throughout and small indentations to rear cover £4,000-£5,000

George Lainchbury Bown (1917-57), third child of Joseph Edgar Bown (1883-1949) and Beryl Iolanthe Bonny (1891-1953). Bown was admitted to the College in 1932, joining Hesperus Division (House) and becoming secretary of the Photographic Society as well as being awarded the bronze medal of the Royal Life Saving Society. His sporting prowess was remarkable, including being captain of Fives (1933), captain of Hockey, Boxing and Fencing (1934), captain of Cricket and Squash (1935) and Vice-Captain of Rugby the same year. He was presented with the King’s Medal and accompanying gold watch, the gift of the Elder Brethren of Trinity House, in 1936 and in the Summer Term passed the Civil Service Commission Examination into the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, from which he passed out as a Second Lieutenant on 27 January 1938. He transferred to the Indian Army on 2 April 1939 (LG 18 August 1939). Sold with further background, including a copy photograph of the Cricket First XI, 1936, featuring the recipient