Banknotes

S.W.Fores No. 21, for Self, Science, Art & Courage, 10 Centimes, 16 August 1818, promising to pay ‘Sir Richd Fillup & Sir Jonathan Crazy, Knts or Bearer, when the Honour of Knighthood shall be lo longer conferred on Swindling City-Tradesmen, or, Lottery Insurers, but be the reward of Real Merit, True Valour and Learning, Only’, signed Horatio Hardbattle and Lexio Scholastic, with a vignette showing two figures in stocks, captioned ‘Knights of the Wood, Such is the exaltation we deserve’, and additional text ‘When dignity’s bestowed on basest men, The Private Station is the Post of Honor. Raised by Impudence. Humbled by Justice!!!, good very fine to about extremely fine £100-£150

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Sir David Kirch Collection of Skit Notes.

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This note protests against the honours list, claiming that those most deserving are overlooked in favour of the wealthy and the unscrupulous. It even makes reference to The Knights of the Wood, probably meaning Robin Hood, who was finally given the knighthood he deserved, and made Sir Robin of Loxley upon King Richard's return to England.