Rare George Frederick Handel Centenary Commemoration, Crystal Palace Medal 1859.

Commemorative issue marking the 100th Anniversary of the legendary Baroque composer George Frederic Handel’s death. It was produced for the massive Handel Festival held at the Crystal Palace in London in June of 1859. These pieces were primarily distributed to active musical performers, stewards, and festival choir participants.

The obverse displays a bust of George Frederic Handel wearing a cap, shirt with open collar, coat and mantel, the portrait is based on the famous marble statue by Louis Francois Roubeiliac crafted for Vauxhall Gardens. He is shown looking left with lettering:

GEORGE FREDERIC HANDEL

On the truncation of the bust it has the name of the designer, the prominent British medallist, W.J. TAYLOR, LONDON (William Joseph Taylor).

The reverse has a legend within a palm and olive wreath that reads:

CENTENARY COMMEMORATION
CRYSTAL PALACE MDCCCLIX

The edge is engraved: H. E. PROUT. PERFORMER.

The medal for the George Frideric Handel commemorative concert was milled in bronze by the London mint, it has a 5.1cm diameter and weighs 76.5g.

The medal is in good antique condition with age-related patina and some minor knocks.

A rare collectable medal.

Please see pictures for more details.

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