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Auction: 7023 - The Glenister Collection of British Coins & other Ancient, English & Foreign Coins & Comm Medals
Lot: 380

Russia, a collection of 238 tin "squeezes" or impressions of 119 medals from Peter the Great to Catherine II, in numbered pairs depicting each side, contained in old envelopes with descriptions in Russian and English, collected in the late 18th century by the Revd. William Tooke, F.R.S., together with a later handwritten list describing each medal; the medals are mainly commemorative medals but include some prize medals, and vary in size up to 90 mm, much brilliance, full original colour, mostly as issued, a most interesting and attractive set; together with a further 66 tin squeezes of later Russian medals etc., in similar condition; all contained in 35 modern fitted pierced mahogany trays, custom designed for the collection, some with paired gilt numbering on the trays; with one modern mahogany cabinet (lacking the second cabinet), to hold 20 trays, this 490 mm high x 365 mm wide x 342 mm, with two glass-panelled doors, cross-etched, with lock and key , a few light marks on the top, otherwise in excellent order (lot) Estimate £ 3,500-4,500 provenance: Sotheby, 20 March 1986, lot 275 -119 pairs and envelopes (realised £2,860). William Tooke was born in 1774 in London, and was educated at an academy in Islington. He published numerous literary works from 1767. In 1774 he was invited by the English merchants in St. Petersburg to succeed the retiring chaplain. In this position he met many members of the Russian nobility, epsicopacy, men of letters and scientists. He was elected as an F.R.S. on 5.6.1783. He returned to England in 1792, and wrote many books on Russia, including "A LIfe of Catherine II". He died in London in 1820. Tooke numbered the wrapper of each squeeze. The list follows his sequence. The 112th pair, numbered but not described in the list, is described as having been elaborately framed. There is no record of or provenance for the additional material, which is nevertheless of similar appearance and condition.

Sold for
£9,500