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Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 52

(x) The Loyal & Friendly Society of the Blue and Orange Gold Medal worn by Colonel W. Kelly C.B., member of a prominent Irish family hailing from that County who served with distinction during the Peninsular War and Anglo-Nepalese War in 1816

The Loyal & Friendly Society of the Blue and Orange, Medal, gold, 50mm including loop x 30mm, a superb example, good very fine

Tests as 84% purity. Weight 19.37g.

The Loyal and Friendly Society of the Blew and Orange was likely founded during the early to mid-1730's, by officers of the King's Own Regiment of Foot (later numbered as the 4th Foot) as a society and club to perpetuate the memory of the 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688 and the accession of the House of Hanover in 1714. The Society (which was open to both ladies and gentlemen) held formal dinners four times per year to celebrate such occasions as the Battle of the Boyne (11 July 1690); the Accession of the Hanoverians (1 August 1714); and the Battle of Culloden (16 April 1746).
Fascinatingly, a list of Members (dated 1801) is still extant and in addition to notable personalities including H.R.H. the Prince of Wales and the dukes of York, Clarence and Kent, Kelly is listed (as Major, 24th Regiment of Foot) as having been elected to membership on 16 April 1797.

For a further example of this medal, in silver, please see Lot 338.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,500

Starting price
£2000