Medal - Queen Victoria

Reverse

Script within crowned wreath

Script: Latin

Lettering:
TO COMMEMORATE HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY'S
ENTERTAINMENT AT THE CIVIC BANQUET
LONDON 9. NOV 1837
RT. HON. JOHN COWAN LORD MAYOR
OTTLEY

Edge

Plain

Comment

Date: circa 1837
19th century Victoria white metal medal
 Sir John Cowan (1774-1842), Chandler, Lord Mayor of London 1837-38.

 Some idea of the splendour and magnificence with which the citizens of London entertained their Sovereign on the 9th of November, 1837, may be gathered from the following memoranda of some of the more remarkable plate displayed:— The plate in the hall (all at the Queen's table being gold) was estimated to be worth nearly £400,000. The Queen's dessert service comprised twenty-three gold dishes, the centre-piece being a bouquet of fruits in a gold basket.
Rose-water was presented to her Majesty in an an antique cup which had belonged to King James I, and this was borne on a gold salver from the board of George I, whose arms Avere engraved thereon. The tea and coffee service were of gold plate, the handles of the cups being composed of lapis lazuli; and a chandelier of solid chased gold, lent to the Corporation by the Goldsmiths' Company, weighed one thousand ounces.
 The Lady Mayoress was dressed in green velvet, lined with white satin, trimmed with gold fringe and a border of Brussels lace. Her petticoat was of llama and gold, and her stomacher was of large opals and diamonds. On her neck was an Elizabethan ruff, and on her head a plume of feathers. We can well believe that every one was struck with the appearance of so gorgeous a creature. Another lady who by her beauty and elegance attracted universal admiration was a Mrs. Magee, the only American lady in the assembly.
 A medal, commemorative of the event, was, by order of the Corporation, struck by Mr. William Wyon. On the obverse is Her Majesty's head with a tiara and the words Victoria Regina, and on the reverse a representation of the front of the Guildhall, with the royal standard, and the words, "In honour of Her Majesty's visit to the Corporation of London, 9th November, 1837."
 In the evening the principal streets of London were illuminated, though for the most part more loyalty was apparent than good taste. Gas mottoes and so-called portraits of the youthful Queen predominated. One firm displayed the words in variegated lamps, "May the blossom of promise ripen into the fruit of performance!" Another motto, simple and hearty, was "Welcome, bonnie lassie!" Old Northumberland House, too, was all ablaze and a centre of attraction.