This very rare bronze medal from Germany commemorates the death of Augustus Ferdinand Duke of Brunswick-Bevern in 1704. Made of high-quality bronze, this medal is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the time. The intricate details on the medal showcase the Duke's importance and legacy in German and English history.
This is a must-have for collectors of medals and coins, particularly those interested in German history. With its unique composition and historical significance, this medal is a valuable addition to any collection. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of history.
Description
Bronze medal.
Bust of Augustus Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick, right, hair long and profuse, in armour and mantle with embroidered border. (obverse)
A monument raised amid piles of arms; on it lie a sword, truncheon, and ducal coronet; the pall covering it is inscribed. In the distance, on one side, is seen the storming of a camp, and on the other a pile of arms burning, amidst the smoke of which is a winged horse ascending to heaven. (reverse)
Inscriptions
Inscription type: inscription
Inscription position: obverse
Inscription content: AVGVST : FERDIN : DVX . BR : ET . LVN : BEVER.
Inscription translation: Augustus Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick and Luneburg Bevern.
Inscription type: maker's mark
Inscription position: obverse
Inscription content: R.
Inscription note: Stephan Reinhard. On truncation.
Inscription type: inscription
Inscription position: reverse
Inscription content: ANTON : ULR : DVX . BR : ET . L . PATRVVS NEPOT . OPT : MER.
Inscription translation: Anthony Ulrick, Duke of Brunswick and Luneburg, uncle to this most excellent nephew.
Inscription note: Inscribed on pall covering.
Inscription type: inscription
Inscription position: reverse
Inscription content: DANT CASTRA TROPHÆVM ARMA ROGVM.
Inscription translation: The camp supplies a trophy, arms a funeral pile.
Inscription type: inscription
Inscription position: reverse
Inscription content: SCHELLENBVRGA AD DONAV : EXPVGNATA GALLI . BOIARIQVE FVGATI MORS GLORIOSA MDCCIV . 2 . IVLII.
Inscription translation: A glorious death, Schellenberg on the Danube having been stormed, and the French and the Bavarians put to flight, 2 July, 1704.
Inscription note: Exergue.
Curator's comments
Medallic Illustrations 2, published in 1885, states:
Very rare.
Augustus Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Bevern, commanded the troops of Luneburg and of Lower Saxony at the storming of the camp on the Schellenberg, where he was so severely wounded that he died before the conclusion of the battle.
The Horse is the badge of the Brunswick family, and is here furnished with wings to symbolize the ascent of the deceased Duke to heaven. Anthony Ulrick, the reigning Duke, caused this medal and Medallic Illustrations 2, published in 1885, states: p254.47 (registration no. M.8017) to be struck as memorials of his nephew. The die of the reverse of this one is much cracked, on which account, perhaps, the next one was substituted for it.
See Van Loon, Gerard, ‘Histoire Métallique des XVII. Provinces des Pays-Bas’, 5 vol. La Haye, 1732-1837 (fol) [There is also an edition in Dutch, but with different paging], IV. 420; Thesaurus Numismatum Modernorum hujus Seculi, &c., Norinbergiæ, 376.
Augustus Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Bevern
Life: 1677-1704
Biography
Commanded the troops of Luneburg and of Lower Saxony at the storming of the camp on the Schellenberg during the Spanish War of Succession, where he was so severely wounded that he died before the conclusion of the battle.
Bibliography
Hawkins, Edward, ‘Medallic illustrations of the history of Great Britain and Ireland to the death of George II’, London, 1885, Vol. 2, p.254.