Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 18004 - Ancient, British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals
Lot: 507

International Exhibition, London 1873, gilt white metal medal by G. T. Morgan, draped bust of Albert, Prince of Wales left, ostrich plume behind, rev. Horticultural society's arcades, Royal Albert Hall in distance, inscribed tangye bros & holman catalogue no. 4922 on edge, 151.38g, 70mm. (BHM 2964), a pleasing extremely fine, and of historic industrial interest

provenance
Spink Numismatic Circular, November 1998, no. 7178 (illus.) - £65 - 'good EF'

The Tangye Brothers commenced business in January 1856, initially fashioning industrial tools from their workshop in Mount Street, Birmingham, before moving to larger premises at Cornwall Works, Smethwick. Their status was soon elevated when they were commissioned by Isambard Kingdom Brunel to produce hydraulic jacks for the launching of the SS Great Eastern.
In 1867, the Brothers entered into partnership with Stephen Holman, agent, from his premises in 10 Laurence Pountney Lane, London. They continued under these auspices, providing displays at the Annual Exhibition of Fine Arts, Industries and Inventions, London, with 1873 noted for its 'Tonkin's patent pump, hydraulic lifting jack and hydraulic "punching bear"'.
The lure of Empire subsequently led the Tangyes to open company offices in Melbourne and Sydney, leading the Warragul Guardian to comment: "Rich as it is in examples of 'men who have risen', the industrial history of Great Britain contains no record of more surpassing interest than that which tells of the foundation and growth of the celebrated firm of Tangye Brothers, Cornwall Works, Birmingham...had Charles Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby just been published we should have felt sure that when described the Bros Cheeryble he had the Tangye Bros. in his eye"

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£120