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medal is reported to have been fabricated in 1797, and given by the Colonel
to soldiers of this regiment.
BANTRY BAY MEDAL.- A stormy sea, with ships in distress; above, a
lion's head, from which a storm blows. AFFLAVIT DEVS ET DISSIPANTVR.
In the exergue, JAN MDCCXCVII and MOSSOP. Reverse.- A Crown with
FRIENDLY ASSOCIATION BANTRY GARRISON, surrounded by a wreath of lilies.
Size, 1·6. Struck in silver and bronze. Lord Bantry possesses one in
gold.
This medal was made for a local club, the members of which desired
to commemorate the dispersion of the French invading fleet off Bantry
Bay by storm.
ORDER OF ORANGE AND BLUE.- Altar, with bundle of arrows passing
through an imperial crown, inscribed on a garter, QUÆ INVIDET MINOR
EST, and on a ribbon, VIS UNITA FORTIOR. Reverse.-An altar, with star
and the Brunswick Horse, inscribed, GLO PRI AVG, and immediately
under the star, NON DEFICET ALTER. On the hexagonal sides of the altar,
QUA DIE NOV (4th day of November), and a rose. Size, 1·2. I have seen
it struck in gold and bronze. Mr. J. Woodhouse has the dies, which
are of inferior workmanship, and do not bear Mossop's name. In the
"British Museum Catalogue of English Medals," No. 24, p. 486, vol. ii.,
this is described as the badge of a club, instituted, in 1727, by officers of
the King's Own Regiment of Foot, to commemorate the Revolution, and
Accession of the House of Hanover. Three varieties are mentioned.
By Mossop's son it is termed a "Hanoverian Society" medal, and it
differs in slight particulars from all contained in the British Museum
Catalogue.
ORANGE ASSOCIATION.- Bust of William III., in armour, to left; THE
GLORIOUS AND IMMORTAL MEMORY 1690, and also MOSSOP. Reverse.-The
British arms, with supporters. A lion above the crown, KING AND CONSTITUTION,
and the name of MOSSOP. Size, 1·65. Struck in silver and
bronze, and repeatedly re-engraved by other medallists. The Reverse is
in Mr. J. Woodhouse's possession. Made in 1798.
HON. HENRY ST. GEORGE COLE.- This medal is described as consisting
of the figure of Hibernia, struck in thin metal, from the Royal Irish
Academy die, and soldered on, the inscription being TO HENRY ST GEORGE
COLE, ESQ. Reverse.-In centre, FOR SPIRITED AND SUCCESSFUL EXERTIONS IN
SUPRESSING CONSPIRACY AND TREASON, and around this, A TRIBUTE OF GRATEFUL
LOYALTY. The medal in the Royal Irish Academy has not the
"Hibernia." It was a presentation by the gentry to Mr. Cole, for his
exertions in 1798.
MASONIC SCHOOL MEDAL.- A beautifully designed group of three
infants and a mother, resting on a cross and anchor. Reverse.-Masonic
emblems. Oval, 2·6 by 2·2. Struck in fine bronze proofs, and said to have
been made in silver gilt, and worn by "Prince Masons:" this is a mistake.
It was designed and used as a prize medal of the Dublin Masonic
School, founded in the year 1790, which was located in Domville-lane,
Prussia-street, and provided for twenty orphans. The design for it was
furnished by Edward Smith, the sculptor, and I possess the original wax
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model made by Mossop. I have likewise a cast medal in iron. Mr. J.
Woodhouse owns the obverse die. I have also a bronze medal with the
Masonic emblems alone, which might be worn appropriately by any
mason, and probably gave rise to the mistake mentioned.
COLLEGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.- This appears an appropriate place to
record the earlier and rarer medals of the College Historical Society, of
which two are known to me, and in my possesion.
No.1. A draped figure, holding a lyre; behind her is a short column,
on which she rests. The inscription is, THE BANISHED MUSES SHALL NO
LONGER MOURN Reverse struck-THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY IN THE UNIVERSITY
OF DUBLIN ADJUDGED THIS MEDAL. The rest is engraved- "Mr. John Ryan,
for his Superior merit in history, on Wednesday, the 28th of January,
1784." Above is engraved also -"Lux Rerum Historia." Struck in
silver. Size, 2·4. Mr. Ryan is registered as B.A. in 1785, and M.A. in
1788.
No.2. A female draped figure, erect, and facing slightly to the left,
holding a wreath and a trumpet, emblematic of fame. The motto, SVME
SVPERBIAM QVÆSITAM MERITIS. In exergue, ROBERTSON. The reverse is
struck blank for engraving. My specimen has the following inscription-
"LVX HISTORIA RERVM. THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY IN THE UNIVERSITY
OF DUBLIN ADJUDGED THIS MEDAL JULY 1ST 1789 TO RICHD MOORE FOR HIS
DISTINGUISHED MERIT IN ANSWERING HISTORY. Size, 2·4. Struck in silver.
MOSSOP'S MEDAL.- A group of three figures emblematic of History,
Oratory, and Poetry; hour-glass. books, &c. On the ground to right an
altar, inscribed HOMER, and behind a rock, from which Pegasus springs.
In the centre the rostrum of Rome, with ship's prow. Inscription- VOS
LENE CONCILIVM ET DATIS ET DATO GAVDETIS ALMÆ. In exergue, MOSSOP. F.,
and INST A.D. MDCCXCIV. The reverse inscribed, HISTORICA SOCIETAS COLLEGII
DUBLINIENSIS, inside an olive wreath, and on a raised ring, MORES
HOMINVM MVLTORVM VIDIT ET VRBES. In the centre is engraved the name
of the successful candidate, and the subject, either History, Oratory, or
Poetry, the die being made with three movable central portions, one,
for each special subject. The earliest impressions struck (about 1801)
have the inner ring engraved with sunk letters; afterwards the lettering
is elevated, being struck out from the die. Size, 2·2; in silver. There
is a gold proof in the Royal Dublin Society, and one in bronze in the
British Museum.
MOSSOP'S MEDAL (ALTERED STATE).- Obverse, the same as originally
struck. Reverse.-An eight-rayed star, with the College Arms, surrounded
by an inscribed garter. The specimen I possess has PROPTER ARTEM
PROSAICVM FELICITER EXCVLTVM. Outside is engraved the candidate's name
and date; below are olive wreaths, and in large letters, HISTORICA SOCIETAS
COLLEGII DUBLINIENSIS. Size, 2·2; in silver. The original dies becoming
worn, the obverse was re-engraved, and this new reverse made by Mr.
W. Woodhouse, about 1847, after a design prepared, I believe, by
Dr. Aquilla Smith.
The Historical Society was founded in 1770, for promoting the study
of history and elocution. It consisted of college students of long standing,
and Fellows as honorary members. In 1792 it was remodelled, or
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revived, as the "Junior Historical Society, "the meetings being held in
rotation in the members' rooms. When a member obtained above fifteen
commendations in oratory, he was entitled to a silver medal, and a medal
was also given at the monthly examinations in historical subjects. In
1794 it incurred the displeasure of the University Board for admitting
a Rev. Mr. C., who had been expelled from college. The Board censured
one of the members, and threatened to expel any student attending
meetings of this society outside the college walls. The use of the
College hall was also withdrawn, and the members hired the exhibition
room in William-street for their assemblies. Tone, Emmet, John Sheares,
James M'Cabe, Peter Burrowes, and others at this period, were prominent
members, and several were suspected of using the society for political
purposes. This led, after a College Visitation by Lord Clare in 1798, to
its temporary extinction; it, however, revived about 1810, and continues
with varying prosperity to the present time, becoming again an extern
society in 1821, and subsequently recognized once more as a university
association. Gold and silver medals are still given, those for oratory
having blue; for composition, white; and for history, crimson ribbons.
DUBLIN SOCIETY MEDAL.- Hibernia seated with spear and helmet,
holding a Copia, and leaning on a shield with harp, resting on books,
and marked DUBLIN SOCIETY; her foot is placed on a bundle of fasces.
Motto-NOSTRI PLENA LABORIS. In exergue to right, MOSSOP F. Reverse.
-Blank. An oval medal ; size, 2·2 by 1·9 ; struck in silver and
gold for premiums. The beauty of this medal is well displayed in an
early bronze proof. The die is in Mr. J. Woodhouse's possession. It
was finished about 1802, and has been repeatedly re-engraved by other
hands. In Whitelaw's History of Dublin it is stated to have been
W. Mossop's last medal, which is not correct.
MEDALS OF THE FARMING SOCIETY OF IRELAND.- The larger medal
represents a cow, bull, sheep, and pig of improved breeds, and a plough,
inscribed, QUÆ CURA BOUM QUI CULTUS HABENDO SIT PECORI. In exergue,
FARMING SOCIETY OF IRELAND INSTITUTED, MDCCC., ; and to left in field,
MOSSOP. Reverse.-Blank centre; at top, STUDIUM QUIBUS ARVA TUERI,
and below a copia and palm branch crossed by a sickle. Size, 2·2.
Given in silver, and occasionally in gold, as a premium.
THE SMALLER MEDAL has a plough, and above, FARMING SOCIETY; below,
OF IRELAND, INSTITUTED MDCCC. Reverse.-Wreaths of wheat and MEMBER
FOR LIFE. Size, 1·4; struck in silver, and worn by the members of the
society. The specimen I possess has the obverse struck from a die
of Mossop's; and the reverse has his son's initials.
MERINO LAMB MEDAL.- I have seen this only with W. S. Mossop's
name.
NAVAN FARMING SOCIETY.- Two bulls' faces; the upper one, having
a wreath of shamrocks and corn, represents a bull of the improved breed;
the lower one, a bull of the old stock. Reverse.- NAVAN FARMING
SOCIETY. In centre - CROPS TO INCREASE AND CATTLE TO IMPROVE AND
TO BENEFIT THE POOR. Underneath-INSTITUTED MDCCC. Said to have
been made 1802. Size, 2·2.
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IRISH ORDNANCE MEDAL.- A shield emblazoned with three cannon balls
and three cannon; at the sides, flags and war-like devices; above, the
harp and royal crown, with palm and laurel wreaths, inscribed, ORDNANCE,
and beneath the shield, Mossop.
I believe this medal was first struck with a blank reverse and afterwards
the royal arms were added, having above the crown a lion, and
beneath a ribbon, with the usual motto, MOSSOP FECIT. The reverse
essentially consists of a replica of the royal arms found upon Mossop's
Orange Medal; but the ribbon is altogether different. Size, 1·7. Struck
in silver and bronze, with ring for suspension. I possess a silver seal,
with the arms of the Irish Ordnance Department, similar to the above
medal, which is likewise evidently the work of Mossop.
WILLIAM STEPHEN MOSSOP.
WILLIAM STEPHEN MOSSOP, JUNIOR, was born in Dublin in 1788,
and educated at the academy of Samuel White, where several distinguished
Dublin men received their early training. He was, in 1802,
placed in the Art Schools of the Royal Dublin Society, under Mr.
Francis West, the master of the Figure School, and became afterwards
his private pupil until the unexpected death of his father
obliged him, at the age of sixteen years, to commence practising his
future profession for a livelihood. His first work was a medal for the
Incorporated Society for Promoting Charter Schools in Ireland, which he
began under his father's directions, and it was finished soon after, before
he was seventeen years of age. His art studies were resumed for a time
under Mr. West; and, in 1806, young Mossop was commissioned by the
Farming Society of Ireland to prepare a medal for their shows, which
was likewise intended to be worn as a badge by their life members. In
1810 he designed and struck a large-sized medal to commemorate the
fiftieth year of the reign of George III., and in 1813 received the premium
offered by the Society of Arts for a die intended for a school
medal. This was afterwards purchased from him by the Feinaglian
Institute and employed as their premium medal. In the succeeding
year (1814) he competed again, with success, in accordance with an
advertisement of the Society of Arts, who promised to purchase the die,
but afterwards neglected to do so. The design which he prepared was a
fine head of Vulcan.
Mossop followed the process adopted by his father when designing
the model of the future metal die he intended to engrave, using a preparation
of bees-wax, melted and softened with turpentine, coloured white by
the addition of flake white, or brown with oxide of iron. He spread this
tempered wax upon a piece of glass or slate, adding and working in successive
portions until the design was completed to his satisfaction. Several
models prepared by him in this manner are in my possession, which
evince his skilful manipulation and freedom of touch. With the care of a
genuine artist, when the human figure was intended to be reproduced, he, as
a preliminary stage, represented it in a nude condition, to secure a natural
and correct rendering of the postures and relative measurements of the
individual parts; afterwards the needful draperies and other accessory
embellishments were added and worked over. Such models were made
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upon a scale that afforded a design of larger size than the die which was
intended to be engraved. They were plotted into squares of equal
measurement, and so transferred with accuracy to the metallic surface,
similar to the well-known method adopted by painters. Thus the perfect
medal was finished from a well-considered model, though the artist did
not carry out in all instances his primary ideas after a servile manner,
for I find some of his medals to differ in detail from the wax design, and
the alterations were usually improvements as well.
Mossop was nominated secretary to the Royal Hibernian Academy
when it was founded, and held office during his lifetime. He died in
1827, after an attack of mental aberration-another in the long list of
those artists whose minds have suffered from incessant brain work and
the anxieties inseparable from the pursuit of their profession when wanting
the recompense of adequate patronage.
About seven years before his death he contemplated preparing a series
of forty medals to represent the portraits of distinguished Irishmen. He
completed the first medal of the set, that of Henry Grattan, and worked
out almost perfectly four others, namely, Ussher, Charlemont, Swift,
and Sheridan; but the inscriptions with their names were not added, and
the dies remained for several years without being hardened. At length
they passed into the possession of Mr. J. Woodhouse, who annealed them
with complete success, the designs having by good fortune remained
intact and in perfect condition since they left the hands of Mossop.
Another medal, it is stated, was modelled by him, which I have seen no
impression of, namely, "Hercules slaying the Hydra." The heads of
the hydra in this design were reported to represent those of three prominent
political agitators in Dublin. The medal he made for the Rifle
Brigade is described for the first time from an unique example in my
possession.
Mossop left some valuable designs cast in plaster of Paris. Mr.
Woodhouse purchased them, and kindly gave me accurate impressions of
all the artist's works. Certain of these casts reproduce the models he
prepared for his Irish portrait medals: one represents the original design
for his prize medal of Vulcan, and a few have no relation to any of his
completed dies. He was employed like his father in preparing the seals
of different corporate bodies and public boards, and some of the designs he
prepared for this purpose are works of artistic value, and well executed;
but no list of these seals has yet appeared. The following imperfect
record of such as have fallen under my own observation is subjoined:-
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WATERFORD.- Hibernia, standing erect, with
shield and rudder. This is a carefully finished work of oval form, about
1½ inche in height. The wax model, which is different in some of its
accessories from the finished seal, is 3½ inches high; it is composed of
brown-coloured wax, worked on a piece of common slate. This model is
in my possession.
CORK INSTITUTION, MDCCCVII.- A large-sized seal, nearly two inches
in diameter. The design represents Hibernia helmetted, standing erect,
and holding a wreath, surrounded by various emblems of art and manufactures.
The model which I have differs in certain slight details from
the seal itself.
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COUNTY OF SLIGO INFIRMARY, 1813.- Having a view of the building.
IRISH MEDICAL OFFICE.- With harp and crown.
IRISH TREASURY AND SUB-TREASURERS, Seals.
WATERFORD HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS.
DERRY CORPORATION SEAL.
STRABANE CORPORATION.- "Strabanienses Incorporati, 20th Sept.,
1612." The arms are "A naked man rowing a coracle, and three heraldic
castles."
77TH REGIMENT.- This seal resembles the regimental medal which
Mossop struck.
RICHMOND LUNATIC ASYLUM.- An elevation of the building, and above
it, the sun, "Post Tenebras Lux." The seal measures two inches in
diameter.
Mr. LA TOUCHE.- A portrait in an oval seal, similar to the portrait on
Mr. La Touche's medal.
EPISCOPAL SEAL, WITH ARMS.- "Jacobus Episcopus Ardaghadensis."
EPISCOPAL SEAL, WITH ARMS.- "Petrus Waldron D. G. Episcopus
Alladensis."
PRUSSIAN CONSULATE.
UNITED STATES CONSULATE.
COMMANDING OFFICER OF ROYAL ARTILLERY IN IRELAND.
Mr. J. Woodhouse has impressions of almost all these seals in wax.
THE SEAL OF THE BENCHERS OF KING'S INNS was, I believe, the work
of the elder Mossop. It bears "Hen. Oct. R. Statuit, 1542. Art.
Chichester, M. C., Restituit, 1607." In the centre is a shield, with open
book, inscribed, "Nolumus Mutari," and above, "1792." On a ribbon,
"Iohan. Bar. Fitzgibbon. Redintegravit," and the words, "Mossop
FECIT." This fine seal measures 2½ inches in diameter.
He appears also to have executed;-
THE SEAL OF THE REVENUE LYING-IN-HOSPITAL.- This represents three
young children and a female, who nurses them, seated on raised steps.
"Nosocomium Puerperarum, Dubliniensis, MDCCLVII."
The following steel dies of Mr. Mossop, jun., are preserved in the
Museum of the Royal Irish Academy :-
Obverse and reverse dies of the small medals of William III.
Obverse and reverse dies of Richard Wogan Talbot's medal.
Obverse and reverse dies of George IV.'s medal, the reverse representing
the royal arms. Also a "hubb" for the head of George IV.
Obverse and reverse of George III.'s coronation medal.
Obverse of the heads of the "Three Georges." Commemorating
the centenary of the House of Hanover.
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Several steel dies of the Mossops, father and son, are owned by Mr.
J. Woodhouse, and are, as a rule, still preserved in good condition. I
mention them under the special medals described by me.
MEDALS MADE BY W. S. MOSSOP, JUNIOR.
INCORPORATED SOCIETY FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS IN IRELAND.- A figure of
Industry seated, with bee-hives. Reverse.-A shield, in the upper part
an open bible, and the lower divided; to the right a spinning-wheel, and
to the left a plough, pick-axe, and shovel. The motto, RELIGIONE ET
LABORE. On a ribbon beneath, PAVPERIBVS EVANGELIVM. Size, 1·6.
There is a bronze proof in the Royal Irish Academy. The reverse
die is in Mr. Woodhouse's possession; of this I have a lead impression.
The Incorporated Society was originated by Dr. Maule, Bishop of
Dromore, and afterwards of Meath. It was incorporated by George II.
in 1733. The reverse of the medal is copied from the seal of the society,
of which an engraving occurs in a printed sermon preached in 1779, in
Dublin. This medal was the first work which young Mossop tried.
he commenced it before his father's death, and it was completed soon
after, about the year 1806. It bears no artist's name.
MEDALS OF THE FARMING SOCIETY OF IRELAND.- No. 1., A plough, with
inscription, FARMING SOCIETY OF IRELAND. In exergue, INSTITUTED MDCCC.,
and in small letters W. S. MOSSOP. Reverse.-A wreath of corn, with
MEMBER FOR LIFE. Size, 1·4. Struck in silver about 1806, and intended
to have the member's name engraved.
I have similar medals in silver and bronze, with larger-sized lettering,
and without artist's initials; the reverse having the wreath, but the
words "Member for life" are engraved.
No.2. A merino ram and plough, with W. S. MOSSOP, F. Reverse.-A
corn wreath with blank centre, inscribed, FARMING SOCIETY OF IRELAND.
and below W. M. Size, 1·6.
I have a bronze proof; it was struck in silver and gold as a prize
medal. It is described as Mossop's fourth medal in Mr. Gilbert's List.
No.3. A farmer is represented as having unyoked a pair of oxen from
a plough, and driving them away; in the distance is a windmill; inscribed,
FARMING SOCIETY OF IRELAND; and in exergue, INCORPORATED
MDCCCXV. In small letters to left, MOSSOP. Reverse.-Blank.
A fine oval medal, measuring 3·2 by 2·1, of which Mr. J. Woodhouse
has the die, from whom I obtained an impression in white metal. There
is a bronze proof in the Royal Irish Academy.
MEDAL TO COMMEMORATE THE FIFTIETH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF
GEORGE III.- Fine bust of the king, with Collar and George. To right,
GEORGIVS III. D. G. BRITANNIARVM REX; and on the arm, W. S. MOSSOP.
Reverse.-Victory inscribing a column, with the names of battles. Motto,
MATVROS LARGIMVR HONORES. In exergue, L (for 50 years), surrounded by
a coiled serpent, the emblem of eternity, and compassed by rays. W. S.
M. FECIT. Size, 1·8. Struck in bronze in 1809. Both dies are preserved
in the Royal Irish Academy.
I possess the original bust, modelled in wax, which Mossop made.
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He employed it as a model for various impressed stamps for bills and
legal documents, executed for the Board of Revenue of Ireland, impressions
of which are in the possession of the Royal Irish Academy.
KILDARE FARMING SOCIETY.- A farmyard with cattle; inscribed,
KILDARE FARMING SOCIETY; in exergue, 1813; and to the right,
MOSSOP. Reverse.-Blank centre, with wreaths of corn and shamrocks.
Size, 2·3. In bronze in Royal Irish Academy.
This medal was often re-worked for similar associations by Mossop,
and after his death by Jones.
CENTENARY MEDAL OF THE HOUSE OF HANOVER.- The busts of the
three Georges superimposed, to right. Motto, THE ILLUSTRIOUS HOUSE OF
HANOVER; and beneath the busts, 100 YEARS ON THE THRONE OF GT. BRITAIN
AUGUST 12 1814 N.S.; on the arm of George I., MOSSOP F. Reverse.-A
figure of female, draped and seated, with mural crown, representing
Dublin. Beneath her is a copia, lion reposing, and Irish harp; she
holds with one hand a medallion of the Prince Regent, inscribed G. P. R.;
and in the other hand, raised, has an olive branch; in front, the sun
rising over the ocean, and behind a ship; in exergue, the arms of
Dublin on a shield, and on the sides, MOSSOP FECIT. Size, 2·1. Struck
in silver, bronze, and white metal.
The obverse die is in the Royal Irish Academy, and the reverse in Mr.
J. Woodhouse's possession.
HEAD OF VULCAN.- An unpublished piece, without inscription, consisting
of a braided head, with cap. To right, in front, a hammer. Size,
1·6.
A lead proof is found in the Royal Irish Academy collection. The
plaster cast of the original design is owned by Mr. Woodhouse, to whom
I am indebted for an impression, also in plaster. It was prepared for the
Society of Arts, London, to compete for their prize. They promised to
purchase the die, but neglected doing so, giving Mossop only a premium
for it.
DANIEL O'CONNELL.- Bust, draped to waist; inscribed. DANIEL
O'CONNELL 1816, and marked W. S. M. F. Reverse.-Wreaths of oak leaves
and shamrocks. And within, in three lines, ERIN MA VOURNEEN. Size, 2·0.
According to Mossop's own statement, this medal was undertaken
in 1816, and totally failed to recompense him for the labour of making
it, although it was an excellent likeness. The medal possesses special
interest from its historic associations. It represents the first medallic
portrait struck of O'Connell, and was taken during the earlier period
of his political career. Some years after it was re-issued, with the
inscription altered to DANL. O'CONNELL, M.P. Mr. Woodhouse has the
reverse die, and Mossop's portrait of O'Connell in wax. I consider the
medal was made in haste, as it cannot be considered equal to many of
Mossop's portraits in artistic finish. It is met in bronze and white
metal.
FEINAGLIAN INSTITUTION.- Minerva leads a youth to receive a palm
branch from Justice, behind whom is introduced a Cupid. A pillar
between the principal figures bears the name of MOSSOP. Inscription,
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MERENTI, and in exergue, PERGE, AGE, VINCE. Reverse.-Outside, a laurel
wreath, INSTITUTUM FEINAGLIANVN LVXEMBVRGI. In centre of wreath,
PUBLICA IN COLL TRIN DVB ADMISSIONE PRIMAS FERENTI. Space for name
and date to be engraved. Size, 1·6. In bronze in Royal Irish Academy.
I have a white metal proof. Mossop obtained from the Society of Arts
their premium for this medal.
The die was subsequently purchased for a school premium by the
Feinaglian Institution, and Mossop was paid £40 for engraving it.
No.2. A smaller medal. Minerva seated with owl, books, &c.;
inscribed, MERIT HAS ITS REWARD; and bearing, in small letters, MOSSOP.
Reverse.-A blank centre, with FEINAGLIAN INSTITUTION FOUNDED 15TH
SEPTEMBER, 1823. Size, 1·5. This is the ordinary school medal, of which
I have a fine bronze proof, and also one in white metal.
No.3. A medal with similar obverse, and on reverse a laurel wreath,
without inscription. Size, 1·5. Used for an ordinary school medal.
No.4. IRISH SOCIETY SCHOOL, COLERAINE.- Similar to last in obverse,
and having the reverse inscribed, THE HONBLE. THE IRISH SOCIETIES' FEMALE
SCHOOL COLERAINE. Size, 1·7. The specimen I have is in white metal.
CORK INSTITUTION MEDAL.- Man with horses and farm implements,
plough, harrow, &c. marked CORK INSTITUTION, and under the edge
of harrow MOSSOP. F. In the exergue, MDCCCVII. Reverse. - Blank,
With olive wreath. Size, 2·0. This was made by Mossop for the
Directors of the Cork Institution, who considered his price too high. The
silver proof he forwarded to Cork is still preserved. I have an
impression in bronze, and a proof in white metal. Mossop must have
subsequently utilized the die, as it is much worn. It is in Mr.
Woodhouse's possession. It was made in 1817.
NORTH OF IRELAND SOCIETY.- A head of Pallas in high relief, inscribed
with the words ARTS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, and marked, "MOSSOP."
Reverse.-A blank centre, with olive wreath; and outside, NORTH-WEST
OF IRELAND SOCIETY. Size, 1·8. A fine medal; struck about 1822. I
have a bronze proof, and a plaster impression from the original model
for the head of Pallas.
DUBLIN SOCIETY MEDAL.- Hibernia seated on a square pedestal, with
helmet and spear to right; behind is a shield, with Irish harp; she holds
a Copia with flowers, and her foot rests on a bundle of fasces. On base
of pedestal is MOSSOP. F. Motto, NOSTRI PLENA LABORIS.
In medals made before the visit of George IV. to Ireland; the
appellation Royal Dublin Society would not be employed; afterwards in exergue
is, ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY, INCORPORATED 1749. The earlier medals, with
this inscription, have a simple edge, and later ones are reticulated.
Struck in large numbers for premiums in all metals. Size, 1·8.
LARGE WELLINGTON MEDAL.- A fine profile portrait of the head of
Wellington to left. Reverse.-Fame represented as a winged angel,
draped, placing a wreath of victory on the head of a seated warrior;
behind him is his shield, and a Roman sword, with its point downwards,
hangs from his hand. Inscription, WATERLOO, JUNE.
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This uncompleted work of Mossop is a fine example of medallic art.
It measures 2·7. The dies remained unfinished, and were not hardened
until long after the artist's death; he only struck a few soft white metal
proofs, and the obverse unpolished die still retains the intersecting ruled
lines laid down for transferring the portrait from the model in wax. When
Mr. Woodhouse obtained possession of the dies he hardened them with
special precaution, and I obtained a proof impression, struck in bronze.
The original design for the head of Wellington, which Mossop made in
wax, is also in my possession. The medal has no trace of the artist's
name.
MEDALLET OF WELLINGTON.- A minute medallet in silver, with portrait,
inscribed, DUKE OF WELLINGTON, and having under the neck, MOSSOP,
was made about 1815. The reverse has a wreath of laurel and shamrocks
enclosing the word WATERLOO. Underneath is the name WEST. Size, ·4.
The dies were prepared for a well-known silversmith, Mr. West of
Skinner's-row, Dublin. I fear they are lost. This little medal is rarely
met with.
ORDER OF MERIT OF 22ND CHESHIRE REGIMENT.- A view of Windsor
Castle, in front of which a figure of George III. stands, receiving one of
the regimental medals from a kneeling officer. It is inscribed, ESTABLISHED
UNDER ROYAL SANCTION, 1785, and in smaller letters, MOSSOP F. Reverse.-
ORDER OF MERIT 22ND REGIMENT and two small branches of oak; within
these, RE-ESTABLISHED BY COL SIR H GOUGH 1st JANUARY 1820. Size,
1·5. Struck in silver and bronze, with clasp for ribbon.
The "Reward for Military Virtue," or "Order of Merit," was
instituted by Colonel Crosbie in 1785, in recognition of good service.
He distributed medals of silver gilt, of silver, and of bronze, according to
the different grade the soldier had attained. The original design represented
a warrior crowned by Hercules. George III. having accepted one
of these medals at Windsor, from Colonel Crosbie, the circumstance was
commemorated in the subsequent design by Mossop. The obverse die is
in Mr. J. Woodhouse's possession.
77TH REGIMENTAL MEDAL.- A Prince of Wales' plume rising from a
coronet, and on ribbon, ICH DIEN; below, the numbers 77, surrounded by
laurel branches, bearing a ribbon inscribed, PENINSULA. Reverse.-Blank,
with laurel wreaths. The centre was intended to have the name of its
owner engraved, with the battles he had been engaged in. Size, 1·5.
Made about 1818. Mr. Woodhouse has the die, and a wax impression
from an oval seal, engraved similar to the obverse of the medal.
MEDAL OF THE RIFLE BRIGADE.- A rifleman kneeling and shooting
to right; inscribed, RIFLE BRIGADE; underneath are two laurel branches.
Reverse.-Wreaths of laurel rise from a pendant Maltese cross, which
hangs from an eight-rayed sun in centre; this bears a round garter
inscribed, MARKSMAN; near the edge, "MOSSOP." Size, 1·3. Bronze, silvered.
This medal is undescribed, and must be very rare. The edge of the
example in my possession is inscribed, SERJ JOHN REAKS. The original
design prepared by Mossop, in red wax, for his figure of the rifleman is
in my possession; it is slightly damaged. A seal representing a similar
kneeling figure is still used by some of the officers of this regiment
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