(Lot 1236 and 1237)

The two medals commemorate George Canning MP, a 19th Century statesman who has the ignominious title of being shortest serving British Prime Minister in history at just 117 days in office. Both struck in gold, the first medal commemorates Canning’s appointment to the Foreign Office in 1822, having previously served in this position in the Portland government of 1807-1809. During his first time in office not only did he seize the Dutch fleet to ensure naval Supremacy against Napoleon’s France, but also engaged in cabinet conflicts with Lord Castlereagh’s War Department; the matter only being settled by a customary duel in which Canning was wounded in the thigh. Whilst his political career could largely be defined by his apparent inability to work with party colleagues in office, included the likes of Spencer Perceval, the only British Prime minister to be assassinated in office, his second term as Foreign Secretary was marked for a more progressive agenda, firstly in his support for abolition in Spanish held territories as well as being a proponent for Greek autonomy.

The second medal, which may be the only example in private ownership, records his death in August 1827, and was struck by ironically the French medallist Galle. His appointment prompted mass cabinet resignations including the likes of 19th Century titans Wellington and Peel. His remarkably short tenure came as the result of pneumonia contracted that January whilst attending the funeral of the Duke of York.

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