The James Watt Medal of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic

The James Watt Medal of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic, First Class, in silver, awarded to Messrs Elkington & Sons in 1870; by William Wyon, "MESSRS ELKINGTON AND SONS FOR THE MILTON SHIELD", bust of Wall left, after Chantrey, rev, legend within palm and olive wreath, naming impressed on edge, 45mm. Choice, virtually mint state and a rare association item.

The massive Milton Shield, decorated with scenes from Paradise Lost, was designed by Leonard Morel-Ladeuil (c. 1820-1888), especially for the Paris Exhibition of 1867 (where it won a gold medal). It served most successfully to raise the prestige and public awareness of the manufacturer, Elkington & Sons and highlighted the use of the electrotype process. Whilst the original is in the Victoria and Albert Museum a number of copies were made, one of which was sold in these rooms, 29 July, 2009 (lot 93), for £2400