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Auction: 22007 - British and World Coins and Commemorative Medals Autumn Auction
Lot: 794

Escape of Princess Clementina from Innsbruck, AR Medal, 1719, by O. Hamerani, CLEMENTINA • M • BRITAN • FR • ET • HIB • REGINA •, draped bust left, rev. FORTVNAM • CAVSAMQVE • SEQVOR, Clementina hurriedly departing in a carriage; Rome in the distance, DECEPTIS • CVSTODIBVS • •MDCCXIX• in exergue in two lines, plain edge, 48mm, 48.55g (Eimer 484; MI ii 444/49; Woolf 36; Harding 55 this medal), a handful of nailmarks and hairlines, silver polish residue and previously lightly cleaned, otherwise with proof-like and lightly toned surfaces, all detail pleasing struck-up, near extremely fine

James III for some time had been urged to marry by his supporters. A number of James' court, Charles Wogan, was therefore sent to scour the courts of Europe for a suitable bride. He reported most favourably on Princess Clementina, grand-daughter of the King of Poland, then aged sixteen. A betrothal was arranged, but George I was against the marriage and persuaded the Emperor Charles VI to have her arrested and imprisoned in Innsbruck. The order to detain the Princess and her mother travelled slowly so Clementina's mother spent eight days at Innsbruck where, it is reported, she enjoyed the shopping. In consequence of this delay they were arrested and detained in Schloss Ambras. Diplomatic efforts to secure Clementina's release failed and the Prince turned again to Charles Wogan. The intrepid courtier succeeded in rescuing the Princess, at night, substituting a maid in her place and leaving her mother to offer explanations the following morning. They escaped to Bologna, where James had been waiting, arriving eight months late, but James had already left for Spain.
It is interesting to note that this medal was commissioned by Pope Clementine XI, thus implying a continuing papal interest in the re-establishment of Catholicism in Britain.


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Sold for
£750

Starting price
£700