Lot 639
LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL
Silver Presentation Medal to the Bishop of Lichfield, 1934, by Walter Gilbert (1871-1946), eagle against radiant sun and above cathedral facade, rev. laurel spray, "FOR FELLOW WORKSERS- FMR 1901-1934 - NOT UNTO US O LORD...," edge named "THE BISHOP OF LICHFIELD", 57 mm, Birmingham hallmark 1934, maker WG (Water Gilbert), in red leather fitted case of issue; 2.25" (5.7 cms) diameter; 2.35 oz
*John Augustine Kempthorne (1864-1946) was Bishop of Lichfield 1913-1937.
The medal was struck on the occasion of the retirement of Sir Frederick Morton Radcliffe (1861-1953), Chairman of the committee for building the new Liverpool Cathedral, whose initials appear on the revrse. It was for presentation by him to the Masons and others working on the fabric of Liverpool Cathedral and to other worthies.
Literature:
Christopher Eimer, British Commemorative Medals and their values, 2010, no.2025
Christopher Eimer, "Sir Robert Johnson, The Mint and Medal Making in Inter-War Britain", British Numismatic Journal, 1085, pp. 169-191, no. 26. "Walter Gilbert's (medal), although modern in treatment, is a visual embodiment of Milton's Areopagatican Eagle, "kindling her undazzled eyes at the full midday beam, purging and unsealing her sight at the fountain of Heavenly Radiance".
