Stock No. 2354	Queen Anne silver Christ's Hospital Badge
	Queen Anne silver badge of high silver standard and above average gauge, circa 1710, worn by the boys in the Nautical School at Christ's Hospital. The die was executed by John Roettier in 1673. Not hallmarked. Obverse: A Bluecoat boy, in his distinctive costume is surrounded by three figures representing Arithmetic, Astronomy and Mathematics who are encouraging him. Arithmetic is holding a tablet of figures, Mathematics is holding a triangle and compasses and Astronomy is wearing the petasus of Mercury and holding a sphere. On the ground is a mariner's compass and the lead. Above are two genii with caduceus and trumpet. In the sky on the left are two Zephyrs propelling favourably the ships of England. Legend at the top inside a circular rim: AVSPICIO CAROL SECVNDI . REGIS. 1673. (Under the auspice of Charles II, King.) Within the flat border are ten circular marks which indicated where holes would have been punched in the medal in order that it could have been sewn on to the boy's coat. There is no reverse. See Medallic Illustrations, vol. I, p.557/218..
	Maker :- John Roettier

Condition :-Extremely Fine
Circa :- 1710
Size :- 3.2 inches (81.3 mm) diameter
Christ's Hospital, (the Blue-Coat school) was a charity school established by Edward IV in 1553 on the site of the Grey Friars' monastery in London. In the autumn of 1672, Charles II who was extremely fond of naval affairs and well versed in the art of building and navigating ships, was encouraged by very influential persons surrounding him to found a Mathematical and Nautical ward in Christ's Hospital. He placed a sum of money in the hands of Trustees to provide for the education of forty boys in Christ's Hospital. Ten of these boys were annually to be allotted to the sea-service after examination. The boys in the Nautical ward all wore this badge sewn onto their uniform. This particular badge was never issued since the holes through which it would have been sewn were never punched through. This is probably one of the main reasons why this badge is in Extremely Fine condition. During the second half of the 18th century, the silver badges were replaced by silver plate badges, due to the fact that an increasing number of boys who came from impoverished homes were selling their badges. John Roettier was the eldest son of an Antwerp goldsmith. He came to England soon after the Restoration and was appointed one of the engravers at the Mint. He became Chief Engraver on the death of Rawlins. Medallic Illustrations states that, with the exception of a few pieces made by the Simons, John Roettier's medallic works are the finest produced in England since the Restoration.

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