John Maitland

John Maitland, Second Earl and First Duke of Lauderdale (1616-1682), silver medal, 1672, by John Roettier, believed struck to commemorate the latter appointment, bust of the Duke right, his hair long and curled, in armour with lion shoulder plate, rev., Minerva seated with shield and spear and, in her left hand, a crested helmet, CONSILIO ET ANIMIS, signed and dated in the exergue, 62mm (MI 550/ 208; Eim. 248; CP 100/10; Platt II, 212). Very fine with the usual die flaw on obverse above the bust.

Lauderdale's career had started in the reign of Charles I and although a party to the King's surrender at Newcastle, he was against his imprisonment. Captured at the Battle of Worcester he spent the period of the Commonwealth in confinement, being appointed Secretary of State at the Restoration and later High Commissioner of Scotland, virtually ruling that country from 1669 to 1680. One of his various titles was Baron Petersham and he lived in the village at Ham House, now a National Trust property.

Provenance: Baldwin Auction, 4 October, 2004 (lot 949).