Here on offer is a rare example of a limited edition number 007 of 500 Art Medals, “The Cornish Tin Mining Lament”. It was issued by the Cornish Tin Company, Callington, Cornwall to mark the end of over 3,000 years of continuous tin mining in Cornwall in 1998.
This large and heavy medallion fits into the category of an “Art Medal”, being made of solid Cornish Tin, weighing approximately 1.15kg and being 12.5 cm in diameter.
It was designed by David Holland, sculptor and partner at Bigbury Mint.
What I personally find fascinating about these medallions is the fact they are made from genuine antique Cornish tin ingots. These where recovered from the wreck of the SS CHEERFUL that sank on the 20th July 1885, in the Celtic Sea about 18miles NNW of the Cornish port of St Ives.
Recovery of the ingots from the 70m deep shipwreck commenced in 1994 and concluded in 1998. A quantity of finely preserved ingots have been lodged in museums, but the majority where in a corroded state and are now held by The Cornish Tin Company for use in productions which retain the provenance and integrity of this important find.
They used some of these ingots to produced this very limited run of 500 medallions.
The tin is re-smelted and cast with nothing added ensuring a pure authentic product.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included by Roger Penhallrick, an acknowledged expert in tin.
The front of the medallion has the words, Cornish Hearts - Cornish Heart - Cornish Art - Labour Done - 1998 AD stamped around the inner edge. The main image depicts a collection of tools as yielded by Cornish miners. Bronze Age antler picks and the traditional iron Cornish poll pick are surmounted by a helmet and cap-lamp from South Crofty, the last remaining tin mine that closed in 1998.
The mines iconic head frame inspired the background image of a sheave wheel whose spokes are revealed toward the rim.
Finally, you have the Lamb and Flag of St Piran and the mythical Phoenix, that awaits the day when once again Cornish Tin may be worked.
On the back in deeply incised relief, you have the labyrinth of shafts, tunnels and galleries of the miner’s subterranean world. There are also the stamp for The Cornish Tin Company and the Cornish Shield.
On the edge are the marks for the alchemist’s sign for tin, The Bigbury Mint and the very low limited-edition number, 007.
It comes in an impressive, circular leather covered lidded presentation case, that has two gilt wing nut bolts to hold the lid in place. The top is embossed with the Cornish shield and the words “STEN KERNEWEK”.
On the base it is embossed with the case makers details and the limited-edition number:
WHEELER & OLIVER, SUSSEX, ENGLAND
LIMITED EDITION 007
Inside the lid is a flap that holds a small pamphlet that has all the information about the medallion and the signed Certificate of Authenticity.
There are also two copies of newspaper reports, one relating to the closure of the South Crofty mine and the other the sinking of the SS CHEERFUL.
The medallion, case and contents are in excellent condition and this is a great opportunity to obtain a very early numbered piece that will only increase in value.
The medallion measures 5” (12.5cm) diameter and with the case, it weighs a heavy 1.7Kg.
Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.
Please note that this item is also being offered for sale on my own website BOAS Militaria at a lower price and therefore may be withdrawn at any time.
International bidders please contact me with your details, for a shipping quote BEFORE purchasing.