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drinking. Change of fashion has long since altogether destroyed this lucrative trade.

Stone, like many others of his class, was of intemperate habits, which caused his death; and his son, following the father's example, likewise soon killed himself. The entire support of unfortunate Stone's family devolved on Mossop. He continued to work for the Linen Board up to 1781, when a change took place in the managment of the board; and the dismissal of their secretary led to a system of contract, which deprived him of his employment at a time when, having married, he was burdened with a young family. A circumstance occurred about this period which in a material degree influenced the course of Mr Mossop's life. He was requested to value a collection of medals for some friend, who contemplated purchasing them; and becoming much interested in their execution, when his friend declined to do so, he secured the collection himself. Their possession excited in him the desire to make similar beautiful works of art; and thus his labours as a medallist commenced. He carried his ambitious design into execution without delay, and the result proved how wisely he had selected his proper vocation. The medal he first produced was that of Mr. Ryder, a well known popular actor in Dublin, which was made in 1782 and when we consider this premier essay was executed by a person who had no previous training in such a peculiar and special department, that the modelling of the portrait, and its subsequent engraving on a steel die, were due to the unaided development of his skill and natural talent, resulting in a finished work deserving of high commendation, and one that placed him in the rank of a medallist of exceptional ability, it must be admitted we are describing the history of a man of genius, far beyond the average standard. The portrait of Ryder was, by general consent, considered a striking likeness. There is a rather rare engraving, which may have possibly aided Mossop's modelling - and, no doubt, he enjoyed opportunities of studying his appearance when acting on the stage - but we have no evidence that he was permitted to model Ryder's face from life sitting; and if this be so, the result is still more surprising and exceptional. When the model was completed it was inspected and admired by crowds of citizens; yet it is related that, after the lapse of several months there was "only a single medal sold:" whether this is correct or not, it is beyond question that it it is seldom met with at present. Soon after he executed a medal-still more scarce, of which I know only a solitary impression in the Royal Irish Academy that, with side busts, of the Right Hon. John Beresford and his wife. For the curious history of this medal I refer to its description hereafter.

Two works of such marked excellence succeeding each other attracted the notice, and, better still, the assistance and friendship of Dr Quin, advantages which to Mossop's serious disappointment, were soon lost by the death of his influential friend and benefactor, of whom he completed a good medallic likeness, at the request of Mr. Wade, one of his patients, in grateful acknowledgment of his recovery from a severe illness. Dr. Quin contemplated the idea of sending Mossop to Boulton's great mint works in Birmingham; but his death put an end to this arrangement. In Gilbert's History of Dublin (Appendix to vol. ii.) there is a detailed list of most of Mossop's works, compiled by his son, and collated by Dr. A Smith, with the assistance of private letters, which formed the first reliable record of his labours. In the year 1784, Mossop resided at 13, Essex-quay. He

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modestly describes his occupation as 'letter cutter and die-sinker." He was subsequently employed by the firm of Camac, Kyan, & Camac (1793) in coining into halfpence the copper which they obtained from their property, the Wicklow Copper Mines. There was a scarcity of copper coinage at that period, owing to the restricted working of the royal mint, which led to numbers of traders striking private tokens throughout Ireland and England, amongst them the Dublin company of Camac, competed so largely that, to a great extent, at least in Ireland, they displaced the royal coinage, and the phrase "a Camac" became for several years synonymous with a halfpenny. Mossop was engaged in making their dies and superintending the practical working of their private mint. The subsequent failure of this firm, in addition to the loss of his appointment, entailed on him serious pecuniary loss. In 1797 he returned to his occupation as a private die-sinker, and so long as work could be obtained he continued his laborious and little appreciated toil.

The disturbed state of Ireland, the successive Rebellions of 1798 and 1803, and the loss of trade in Dublin, caused by the Legislative Union combined to produce a depressing, and almost destructive influence in every department connected with local manufuctures. During the entire of Mossop's career he laboured under a total want of that patronage which, either from the State or from wealthy individuals, work similar to his usually requires to produce its best efforts; and it is a matter for justifiable national pride, that without such aid, without a master's help or previous instruction, he achieved success in his art. The celebrated sculptor, Edward Smith, was, however, a friend of Mossop's, and aided him by his council and designs in some of his medals. It is difficult to obtain information respecting the numerous seals of which Mossop prepared dies for different incorporated and other public bodies in Ireland. Several of these seals were executed in silver, and as they became disused were melted down for their intrinsic metallic value, and so destroyed. I have a small silver seal of the Irish Ordnance Department which, I believe, is his workmanship. He engraved a few compositions in cornelian and on ivory, in the latter material he cut a small copy of the marriage of Cupid and Psyche, but I am unable to trace its present possessor.

Before cutting the steel die, Mossop was in the habit of executing in wax a careful model of the portrait or design he intended to complete. He employed wax softened with turpentine, and coloured white or brown, which was laid down on pieces of slate or glass, and accurately moulded to the intended form. In modelling figures, they were designed as a primary study, and the drapery laid on by subsequent stages. He thus preserved the positions of the limbs correct, however minute they were; and the examples I have of his workmanship evince by their delicate manipulation the fineness of his touch and skill as a draughtsman. The original wax model for Mossop's masonic medal in my possession was made after a drawing of Edward Smith's, to whom the original conception of the design was due; but its practical execution was altogether his own. Several of his steel dies are still preserved in the possession of Mr. J. Woodhouse of this city, who follows the same interesting profession as a medallist. Mr. Mossop died in Dublin in 1804, after a few hours' illness, from an attack of paralysis and apoplexy.

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SIR CHARLES GIESECKE.- Portrait in high relief to right, marked on neck, MOSSOP F. Inscribed C. L. GIESECKE EQV AVRAT. MIN. PR0F S HON S.D.A. HIB. RS., &c. Reverse.- An arctic sea, with icebergs and spouting whale; in front, land with basaltic columns, and a Polar bear. Motto, HYEMES VII SUB ARCTO TOLERAVIT INGENTI NATURÆ PERCULSUS AMORE. In exergue, MDCCCXVII. Size, 1·8. In bronze.

Sir Charles Giesecke, after spending several years in Greenland, gathering a valuable collection of minerals, had the misfortune to lose them all, by their capture in a Danish brig, which was seized by a British vessel during the war. When sold in Edinburgh, a quantity of them were purchased by the Dublin Society, who were desirous of enriching their museum, and they had the justice to acknowledge Giesecke's claims, and so far as they could, make some compensation for his unjust treatment, by appointing him professor of mineralogy, and director of the museum, which offices he filled for many years. This medal was struck by the Dublin Society in his honour, and as an acknowledgment of his services.

COLONEL TALBOT.- Bust, with draped shoulders to right marked on arm, MOSSOP F. Inscribed, RICHARD WOGAN TALBOT ESQ^r THE PEOPLES CHOICE Reverse.- Inscription around exterior - THE MEMBER INCORRUPTIBLE. THE CONSTITUENTS GRATEFUL. In centre - THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE COUNTY OF DUBLIN PRESERVED 28th OF MARCH 1820. Size, 1·8. The dies are in the Royal Irish Academy. I have the original wax model designed by Mossop and also a copy of the plaster cast made before preparing the metallic work ; it measures three inches in diameter. Mossop states, with bitter feeling, that "This medal was undertaken with promises of support which were not realized." The portrait is well finished and in high relief.

RIGHT HON. HENRY GRATTAN.- Bust, with draped shoulders to right; in high relief, HENRICUS GRATTAN, and on the arm Mossop. Reverse.- Wreaths of laurel and Irish yew, twined with shamrocks. In centre- PRO PATRIA ET VIVERE ET MORI. Underneath, in small letters, NATVS | DUB: 1746, OB. LOND: 1820. Size, 1·7. Struck in bronze; impressions in white metal sometimes occur.

This medal was struck in 1821. Mossop designed that it should form the commencement of a series representing the portraits of distinguished Irishmen, and of these he contemplated executing forty at least. This was the only one finished of the entire number of which he hardened the dies and struck impressions. He prepared four others and almost completed them- Swift, Ussher, Charlemont, and Sheridan-but they were left without inscriptions, and when obtained by Mr. J. Woodhouse the steel dies were not annealed; hence the few impressions Mossop took from his soft dies were in white metal, and must be considered artist's proofs: they are few in number and seldom obtainable. I have a perfect set; and Mr. Woodhouse having successfully completed the process of hardening, I got bronze examples likewise. All these medals are fine works of art and rank high as illustrations of Mossop's ability.

ARCHBISHOP USSHER.- Bust of the Archbishop to right, with close-fitting skull-cap, large ruff and gown. On the arm "MOSSOP." No inscription. Size, 1·7. Struck in white metal by Mossop; and from the

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hardened die a few impressions in bronze were taken by Mr. J. Woodhouse. I have also a copy of the plaster cast made from Mossop's wax model, it measures in diameter three inches.

DEAN SWIFT.- The portrait of the Dean in high relief to right, with gown and bands. No inscription. Size, 1·7. in white metal; a few proofs made by Mossop. Mr. Woodhouse, after hardening the die, struck two or three bronze impressions, of which I have one, and also a replica of the plaster cast made from of the original wax model, of similar diameter to Archbishop Ussher's. The portrait is a close copy from one of the marble busts of the Dean, probably from that in the Library of Trinity College or that placed over his tomb in St. Patrick's Cathedral, in 1776, by Faulkner, the printer of his works. The artist's name does not appear on this medal.

RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN.- The portrait is represented almost full-face, inclining to the left side. It represents a classically draped bust, and has neither the names of Sheridan nor of Mossop. Size, 1·7. This and the portrait of Walker on the Derry Medal are the exceptional instances in which Mossop portrayed full-faced likenesses, and they are both deserving of commendation. Similar to the rest of the series, I have Mossop's white metal proof and the bronze impression struck by Mr. Woodhouse, who possesses the die.

LORD CHARLEMONT.- He is represented side-face, and only the head and neck are shown to left. It has neither Lord Charlemont's nor Mossop's name. Size, 1·7. The portrait is cut with much delicacy and skill. Similar to the rest of the series, I have Mossop's white metal proof and the bronze impression, and also a copy of the original plaster cast from the wax model.

VISIT OF GEORGE IV TO IRELAND.- The king's head in high relief, crowned with laurel wreaths to left. On the neck, MOSSOP FECIT. Inscription, GEORGIVS IV D G BRIT ET HIBERNIÆ REX F D. Reverse.- The city of Dublin, represented as a female wearing the civic crown, and holding a harp and copia, is viewing a kneeling child engaged in setting fire to a pile of Roman armour; behind her is an altar with straight sides and flames burning at top. The motto is ADVENIT REX CONCORDAT CIVITAS. In the exergue, the City arms, with Cap of Maintenance, sword and mace, MDCCCXXI, and in small letters, MOSSOP. Size, 1·8. I have an impression in white metal; it was also struck in silver; and a single medal was made in gold, which was presented to George IV. The bust is a reproduction of that which Nollekins executed. After a few impressions were struck the reverse die became cracked and broken, hence the impressions are rare and seldom met with.

No.2. A slightly different reverse was then engraved. In this the altar is conical, and the armour, instead of being Roman, is represented as early English chain armour; the helmet being Irish in form. The exergue has the date of the king's landing in Ireland, xii AVG MDCCCXXI. Size as before. Bronze and silver medals were struck. The reverse die is in Mr. Woodhouse's possession, and was copied by him for his medal commemorating the visit of Queen Victoria to Ireland in 1849. The copy is distinguished by bearing his name.

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Speaker of the House of Commons from 1771 to 1785. On vacating office he was created viscount, and received £3000 per annum. He died in 1806. Dean Dawson states, that when Mossop had finished this medal, Lord Pery expressed himself highly pleased, and inquired what remuneration he expected. On Mossop replying, "Twenty guineas," He handed him a cheque for forty, remarking that he "considered the artist had not put a fair price on his work, and hoped he would be satisfied with what he thought proper to give."

CUNNINGHAM PRIZE MEDAL OF ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY.- Bust of Lord Charlemont, in uniform of the Volunteers, to left, inscribed IACOBVS COMES DE CHARLEMONT PRÆS. On the arm, MOSSOP. Reverse.- Hibernia, helmetted, seated on a pile of books, holding a shield, with harp and Irish crown, and a rod, with cap of Liberty, to left; in front are ruins of a round tower, emblematic of antiquities, and behind, various emblems of astronomy, chemistry, and literature. The motto VERETAS REVOCAVIT ARTES and under the seated figure, MOSSOP. In the exergue ACAD REG HIB INST JAN 28 MDCCLXXVI. Size, 2·2. Struck in gold when issued, as the Cunningham Prize Medal. Some early proofs in silver and copper occur. The dies, which are worn out, remain in the possession of the Academy, and are replaced by new dies, made in 1886, by Mr. J. Woodhouse. The medal, when originally proposed, consisted only of the reverse portion, the portrait of Lord Charlemont being added when he was nominated President by Royal Charter. I possess the wax model of Lord Charlemont, made by Mossop preparatory to cutting the die.

To appreciate this medal, an early unworn impression should be examined; it then ranks with Mossop's best works. The portrait is considered an excellent resemblance, and its execution is soft and delicate. The allegorical design was planned with skill, and well worked out, the central figure filling, without overcrowding, the surface of the medal. Lord Charlemont was so pleased with it that he gave the artist free access to his library and the numismatic and art collections in his possession.

Mr. Woodhouse's replica of the Charlemont medal follows closely the design of the original made by Mossop. It can, however, be readily recognized by having J W in minute letters on the arm of the bust, after Mossep's name, and likewise on the reverse, immediately behind the lyre. The inscription also is struck in somewhat larger lettering.

DOWN CORPORATION OF HORSE BREEDERS.- A small medallion in the centre, with two racehorses and jockeys racing, surrounded by perforated rays like a sun, by which it is joined to an outer circle or garter, having the motto METAM AVIDI PETVNT. In the exergue, MOSSOP F. Reverse.- On the central medallion a brood mare and foal; inscription, IN EQVIS PATRVM VIMTVS, and the name MOSSOP. Size, 2·0. Struck in bronze about 1787. This medal had the perforations of the sun's rays removed by filing, after being struck. The Royal Irish Academy owned a gold pattern, which was lost.

PRIMATE ROBINSON, LORD ROKEBY.- The Primate's portrait, with full wig and canonicals, to right. Inscription-RICH ROBINSON BARON ROKEBY LORD PRIMATE OF ALL IRELAND. On the arm, MOSSOP. Reverse.- A

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front elevation of the Armagh Observatory marked MOSSOP, and in exergue, MDCCLXXXIX. The motto is, THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD. Size, 2·2. Made in bronze and silver, and occasionally met in white metal. Mr. J. Woodhouse has the dies. An engraving of it was published in "Anthologia Hibernica," for 1793; and I have an impression of the obverse struck as a proof in thin card-board. The medal commemorates the erection of the Armagh Observatory, which was built at his lordship's expense.

PATTERN FOR CAMAC HALFPENNY.- "Camac Kyan and Camac," with cypher H M C (Hibernian Mining Company), and beneath, ONE HALFPENNY | MOSSOP F | 1793. Reverse.- The usual figure of Hibernia with harp and whiskey still, PAYABLE AT BALLYMURTAGH. It is struck in copper, but was probably a pattern piece, as in the current issues Mossop's name is omitted. Size, 1·2.

UNION PENNY.- The head of George III. to right, and beneath a small harp, the motto, GEOROIUS III REX. Reverse.- Britannia with shield, and Hibernia with harp, uniting hands over the altar of Concord; the inscription being, CON-COR-DIA. In exergue 1789. Size, 1·4 A few bronze proofs were struck, when the die broke. It was made during the viceroyalty of the Marquis of Rockingham, after a design by Sir Joshua Reynolds. There is an impression in the Royal Irish Academy, struck, after the fracture-which extends across the harp-was repaired by a piece of metal let into the die. A specimen in the British Museum is still more damaged.

MEDALS GIVEN AT THE COMMENCEMENTS, TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN.- On both medals, SEMEL RAPTOS NVNQVAM DIMITTET HONORES.

Reverse of No. 1. - PROPTER ARTIVM STVDIA INDVSTRIA CONTINENT NEC SINE GLORIA NAVATA.

Reverse of No. 2. - PROPTER LITERAS GRÆCAS ATQVE LATINAS FELICITER EXCVLTAS.

It is stated this was originally designed for a science medal, but given up for those termed Commencement Medals, which were superseded by the Science and Classic Medals. Size, 1·3. Examples in bronze are in the Royal Irish Academy, made in 1793.

CASTLEBAR MEDAL.- A silver medal in the British Museum, representing a female seated to left, with three children, one suckling, and one at each side. Reverse.- In four lines, inscribed, BENEFACIENDUM | EST OMNIBVS - CASTLEBAR | 1791. This is probably Mossop's work.

MARIE ANTOINETTE.- Bust to right, and underneath W. M. Inscribed MARIE ANTOINETTE REINE DE FRANCE. Reverse.- IMMOLÉE | PARLES FACTIEVX LE 16 OCT 1793 | PLEURÉS ET VENGÉS LA. Size 1·35.

I possess a unique white metal impression of this medal; it was intended as part of a series, as I have the wax portrait of Louis XVI. prepared for engraving on a die, designed in Mossop's usual manner, and also a medal of

THE DAUPHIN AS LOUIS XVII.- Bust with long hair; to right, LOUIS XVII ROI DE FRANCE, and beneath W. M. Reverse.- SI TOT | QU'IL HAIT UN ROI | DOIT ON CESSER | DE L' ETRE, and below, 1793. Size, 1·3; unique.

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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,