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Auction: 24014 - The Alfred Leonard Fuller of Bath Collection of English Silver Coins and Tokens
Lot: 688

MIDDLESEX, London, Thomas Hall, Penny, 1795, kangaroo, armadillo and rhinoceros, rev. six line inscription, MANUFACTURED BY W. LUTWYCHE BIRMINGHAM, on edge, 3h, 17.26g (D&H 25), mostly mint red and with lustre, pleasing extremely fine and scarce; another, Halfpenny, 1795, as before, plain edge, 6h, 9.23g (D&H 313), die flawed to obverse and some contact marks, otherwise toned, very fine; another, 1795, as before, rev. different inscription in four lines, plain edge, 12h, 9.48g (D&H 314), hairline die flaw to reverse and soft to 17 in date, lightly toned, very fine; MIDDLESEX, London, Thomas Hall, Penny, 1795, SIR . JEFFERY DUNSTAN MAYOR OF GARRAT, figure standing, rev. six line inscription, MANUFACTURED BY W. LUTWYCHE BIRMINGHAM, on edge, 6h, 17.23g (D&H 26), soft and lightly worn surfaces, very fine; another, Halfpenny, 1795, as before, rev. four line inscription, plain edge, 6h, 9.44g (D&H 315c), much as previous; Halfpenny, Mrs Newsham standing, rev. four line inscription, plain edge, 12h, 11.37g (D&H 317), hairline die flaw to reverse and minor pinmarks, with mostly mint red surfaces, extremely fine; Halfpenny, undated, toucan, rev. four line inscription, obliquely milled edge, 6h, 8.96g (D&H 319c), couple of small marks, otherwise lustrous and with flashes of red, extremely fine (7)

Provenance

The Alfred Leonard Fuller of Bath Collection (1870-1941)




Thomas Hall (1746-1813) was a prominent taxidermist and showman based in London. He began exhibiting exotic stuffed animals at Bartholomew Fair in 1779, eventually establishing his business on City Road. Hall advertised himself as working for the British Museum and notable patrons, calling himself "the first artist in Europe for preserving Birds, Beasts &c".

His establishment, variously known as the 'Curiosity House', 'Finsbury Museum', and 'Hall's Grand Zoonecrophylacium', displayed both stuffed specimens and living curiosities. Hall issued multiple trade tokens and advertisements highlighting his taxidermy skills.


The business continued through his son Thomas (1780-1838), who expanded the enterprise by incorporating watchmaking skills to create artificial eyes and reportedly make stuffed birds "sing". The Hall family's taxidermy business remained in operation until at least 1843, spanning three generations of taxidermists.

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Sold for
£480

Starting price
£5