Beschreibung

George III. 1760-1820. Silver Medal 1812, 52.00 g. British Army enters Madrid. By T. Wyon Sr. and P. Wyon. Bare head of the Duke of Wellington. LIEUT . GEN . MARQUIS WELLINGTON . K . B . & c . & c . MDCCCXII. Garlanded shields of Britain, Portugal and Spain upon a plinth, inscribed VIMEIRA TALAVERA BUSACO CIUDAD RODRIGO BADAJOZ SALAMANCA, amidst military trophies. ENTER'D MADRID AUGUST XII. Plain edge. 44.9 mm. Eimer 1025. BHM 737. Bramsen 1160. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Hübsche Patina / Attractively toned.

Purchased from Spink, London, October 2004, lot CM0851.

In the context of the Peninsular War and as a consequence of Wellington's victory at Salamanca, his army was able to advance to and liberate Madrid for two months, before retreating to Portugal. The French were forced to abandon Andalusia permanently while the loss of Madrid irreparably damaged King Joseph's pro-French government.