Description

Charles I. 1625-1649. Cast Silver Medal n. d. (1642), 13.80 g. Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, Military Reward. By T. Rawlins. Half-length figure of Essex, armoured and holding upright sword. Above head: SX. Incuse legend: Should hear both houses of parliamant for true Religion and subiects fredom stand and Pro . Religione . lege . Rege . et . Parliamento. Rv. Two equal horizontal sections containing the two parliaments in which the king and speaker are seated. Wreath borders on edge. 38.1 mm x 53.8 mm. Eimer 140a. MI i 295/113. Selten / Rare. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Zeitgenössischer ziselierter Guss mit verziertem Laubrand und Henkel / Contemporary chased cast with wreath border and loop.

From the auction Spink USA 9800, New York, December 2001, lot 17.
From the auction Spink, London, March 1968, lot 2153.

Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex, (11 January 1591 - 14 September 1646) was an English Parliamentarian and soldier during the first half of the 17th century. With the start of the Civil War in 1642, he became the first Captain-General and Chief Commander of the Parliamentarian army, also known as the Roundheads. However, he was unable and unwilling to score a decisive blow against the Royalist army of King Charles I. He was eventually overshadowed by the ascendancy of Oliver Cromwell and Thomas Fairfax, and resigned his commission in 1646.

This medal is always cast and chased, and furnished with loops for suspension. It was issued in gold and silver to be given to persons of various ranks in Essex's army.