Fenian-era silver presentation medal to James Varley, 1867
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
July 9, 1867
This Fenian-era presentation medal is a significant historical artifact relating to the struggle for Irish independence. Struck in silver and measuring 65mm in diameter, the piece is a high-quality example of Victorian-period commemorative work, likely produced using a custom-engraved stock design.
The obverse features an iconic Strung Hibernian Harp motif encircled by two delicate shamrock stems. The reverse contains a deeply personal inscription dedicated to James Varley, thanking him for his zealous labor in support of Ireland's independence on behalf of the Irishmen of Leeds, dated July 9, 1867. This inscription is set within an intricate border featuring an oak and laurel wreath, symbolizing classical esteem.
The medal is attached to a swivelling scroll suspension mount, allowing for ease of wear or display, and is housed in its original contemporary fitted case of issue. The craftsmanship reflects the era's tendency for retail jewelers to customize mass-produced blanks for academic, social, or political commendations, creating a unique historical testament to nineteenth-century Irish-English political relations.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Diameter
- 65mm
- Material
- silver
- Accessory
- contemporary fitted case of issue
Design
- Obverse
- Strung Hibernian Harp within two shamrock stems
- Reverse
- Engraved inscription within an oak and laurel wreath
- Suspension
- swivelling scroll
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.