M417 - The Commonwealth, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector
(1653-1658), 1653, contemporary after cast, silver gilt medal,
12.94g., 37mm,
by Thomas Simon, armoured and draped bust of Cromwell left, OLIVARVS DEI GRA
REIPVB ANGLIAE SCO ET HIB & PROTECTOR (Oliver by the grace of God Protector
of the Republic of England, Scotland and Ireland), rev. lion
displaying the arms of the Protectorate, PAX QVAERITVR BELLO (peace achieved
through war), (MI 409/45; E 188b), pierced neatly for suspension, to be
worn about the neck as a badge, very fine. $345
NOW $295 SOLD
This example was clearly
worn as a badge around the neck on a chain or cord by an individual who wanted to
demonstrate their support and allegiance to the Protectorate regime. In
addition the owner had the medal gilded to enhance it's appearance. The
medal was struck to commemorate the dismissal of the Barebones Parliament
and the introduction of a new constitution, the Instrument of Government,
granting executive power to Cromwell for life as Lord Protector, it was the
first written constitution in the English speaking world.
