Stock No. 3133	Duke of Wellington Laudatory Medal
Very striking bronze medal in high relief by Benedetto Pistrucci, published as a laudatory medal to the Duke of Wellington in 1841. Obverse: The Duke of Wellington in profile, left, bare headed. Legend: FIELD MARSHAL ARTHUR DUKE OF WELLINGTON. Reverse: Corinthian helmet decorated with classical scene and thunderbolt beneath. Legend: NOVA CANTAMVS TROPAEA AUGUST.1841 (We celebrate new victories. August 1841) Maker :- Benedetto Pistrucci

Condition :-Extremely Fine
Circa :- 1841
Size :- 2.4 inches (70 mm) diameter
The wax model of this medal is in the Palazzo Braschi in Rome. In the Royal Mint Catalogue, vol. II, p.243, Hocking notes that "the reverse of this medal is designed from an antique gem upon which is represented a helmet with Bellerophon mounted upon Pegasus spearing the Chimaera". Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852) was the first Duke of Wellington and had a long and distinguished military career, ending as Field Marshal. In "British Historical Medals 1837 - 1901", p. 60, No. 2011, Mr Laurence Brown notes that Wellington secured many victories for the allied forces. The first were in India and then more importantly, in the Peninsular campaign against Napoleon. His victory at the battle of Waterloo, which he effected with the assistance of Blucher made him enormously popular with the British public. In later years, Wellington pursued a political career which on occasion brought him unpopularity due to his opposition to the Reform Bill. In 1841, Wellington accepted the position of a Cabinet minister without office in Peel's second ministry and (according to Mr Brown) it is possible that the publication of this medal coincided with this event.

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