Stock No. 2806	Victorian Tavistock Grammar School prize given to W.H. Smith
Early Victorian silver school prize in its original case. Donated by John, Duke of Bedford to Tavistock Grammar School. Obv.:- Coat of arms of John, Duke of Bedford. Signed B Wyon. Rev.:-Within laurel wreath, very lightly inscribed:"OCT: KAL: QVINTII: MDCCCXXXIX GVL. HENR. SMITH DE LONDIN: D:D. GVL: BEAL". " Maker :- Benjamin Wyon

Condition :-Extremely fine and nicely toned
Circa :- 1839	.
Size :- 49 mm
Weight :- 2 ozt (62.8 g)
This prize medal was given to William, Henry, Smith by the headmaster, the Rev. William Beal who was his brother- in-law. William, Henry, Smith (1825-1891) statesman, entered his father's news agency business in the Strand in 1841. The company is still very active to-day. He developed profits enormously by securing railway bookstall monopoly and developing a circulating library. However, he would not sell any salacious material. MP for Westminster from 1868; member of first London School Board, 1871; joined Disraeli's Cabinet as first lord of Admiralty, 1877; became first lord of Treasury and leader of the House of Commons under Lord Salisbury as premier in 1886. His widow was created Viscountess Hambleden, 1891. Benjamin Wyon (1802-1858) seal-engraver, son of Thomas Wyon, succeeded his father in 1831 as Chief Engraver of His Majesty's Seals. He executed several medals, notably the Crimea medal.

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