Stock No. 3694	Silver Jacobite "Oak Medal"
Very attractive and evocative silver Jacobite propaganda medal known as the "Oak Medal". Obverse: Bust of Prince Charles looking right, with short hair, curling at the nape and with no drapery. Reverse: A flourishing young sapling grows from the roots of a leafless, hollow tree. Legend: REVIRESCIT. (It flourishes anew.) Exergue: 1750. See Medallic Illustrations, vol. II, p.655/359. Maker :- Thomas Pingo

Condition :-Extremely Fine and very nicely toned
Circa :- 1750
Size :- 1.35 inches (34 mm)
This is one of the numerous medals which were issued from time to time by Stuart partisans to keep the Jacobite cause alive in the minds of their friends and to rally supporters. The portrait of Prince Charles on the obverse is copied from an earlier propaganda medal, also struck by Thomas Pingo in 1745. (See MI, vol. II No.251). Thomas Pingo was commissioned to execute the latter medal at the expense of a pro-Jacobite Society which met at the Crown and Anchor in the Strand, opposite St. Clement's Church. Upon the payment of his subscription of one guinea, each member was entitled to a specimen of this medal in copper. The value of the metal in addition to the subscription was charged for specimens in gold or silver. The numbers struck are recorded as 6 in gold, 102 in silver, 283 in copper and 50 in tin. (See Notes and Queries, 22 May, 1858, p.417). The engraving of the dies cost œ88 16s. 0d. The English Jacobites had been very active during 1749 and 1750 and this caused Prince Charles to cross the Channel and make a secret visit to London in September, 1750. He brought with him his friend Colonel Brett and, unknown to the English Court, took up residence at the home of Lady Primrose. There, he was introduced to Dr. King, who was then at the head of the Church of England Jacobites. However, the Prince only remained in London for a few days since he was soon convinced that the country was not ready for rebellion. During his visit, Prince Charles presided at a meeting of his supporters held in Pall Mall and among those present were the Duke of Beaufort and the Earl of Westmoreland.

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