Badge, Antigallican Society, London, 1750

The badge of a member of the Antigallican Society, cast and chased with the arms of the Society within Rococo scrollwork, and engraved with the arms of MacKay on the back. Historical Associations The Antigallican Society was a dining-club founded in 1745 during the war with France.

Its arms show the lion of England and the eagle of Austria acting as supporters for a shield on which St George drives his lance through the royal arms of France. The motto was 'For Our Country'. The Anti-Gallican Society was formed 'to promote the BRITISH MANUFACTURIES, to extend the commerce of England, and to discourage the introducing of French Modes, and oppose the Importation of French Commodities .............[It] was always composed of Gentlemen of the best Character and Address, none being admitted but persons of Reputation and Loyalty .....'

From 1751-3 the Society offered a number of premiums to promote British skills, including, for example, ten guineas for the best piece of English lace for men's ruffles. A number of Antigallican badges survive in painted enamel and in silver, and they were presumably worn at meetings by members. An elaborate example mounted with rock crystals is in the British Museum. The V&A's badge was made for a MacKay, but no further identification has been firmly established.

Probably made in London