Antique 19thC John Paul Jones Copper Medal Royal Navy HMS Serapis Warship 

An unusual antique copper-alloy medallic shell, attributed to the 19th century, reproducing the celebrated naval battle design from the John Paul Jones Comitia Americana Medal, one of the most historically significant American Revolutionary War commemorative medals.

The original medal was commissioned by the American Continental Congress in October 1787 to honour the Scottish-born American naval commander John Paul Jones for his extraordinary victory over the British frigate HMS Serapis during the Battle of Flamborough Head on 23 September 1779. Jones was the only officer of the Continental Navy to receive a Congressional Gold Medal for service during the American Revolution.

The medal was produced in Paris in 1789 under the direction of Thomas Jefferson, then American Minister to France, and designed by the distinguished French engraver Augustin Dupré. The original gold medal was presented personally to Jones in Paris in May 1790.

The medals formed part of the prestigious Comitia Americana series, commissioned by the newly independent United States to commemorate its greatest military achievements and celebrate the men responsible. Beyond the gold presentation medals, silver and copper examples were intended for European sovereigns, universities, members of Congress and distinguished French allies, including Lafayette and Rochambeau, helping establish the reputation of the new American republic.

The beautifully detailed naval scene captures the ferocious engagement between Jones's Bonhomme Richard and HMS Serapis. With the two warships locked together amid cannon fire, billowing smoke and shattered rigging, Jones secured the British vessel despite his own flagship being so badly damaged that it sank shortly afterwards.

The surrounding Latin inscription reads HOSTIVM NAVIBVS CAPTIS AVT FVGATIS, meaning "The enemy's ships captured or put to flight." Below the battle is the date 23 September 1779, together with Dupré's engraved signature.

The original medals were substantial, double-sided pieces, carrying a portrait of John Paul Jones on the opposite face. This example is quite different, being a remarkably lightweight, single-sided copper-alloy shell weighing only 4g despite measuring 58mm across.

Such thin medallic impressions, known as clichés, have an interesting history of their own. Early examples were produced as engravers' trials or proofs, allowing designs to be examined before finished medals were struck. During the 19th century, thin copper electrotype reproductions were also produced for collectors, museums and display, sometimes as separate impressions of each side of a medal.

Indeed, Thomas Jefferson specifically requested tin proof impressions of the original Jones medal, while surviving 19th-century copper electrotypes demonstrate the continuing interest in reproducing Dupré's celebrated design.

Original early impressions are scarce, particularly the surviving single-sided proofs. The medal subsequently appeared in several restrike and reproduction forms, although the number of surviving lightweight copper shells of this particular design is not established.

The historical importance of the design is reflected in major museum collections. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Louvre in Paris and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History hold examples of the medal. Particularly interesting comparisons include a late-18th-century single-sided copper-alloy reverse impression at the Petit Palais in Paris, and a separate 58mm bronze naval-battle reverse in the Cleveland Museum of Art.

This example retains finely defined ships, sails, intricate rigging and naval detail, with warm copper highlights against the darkened surface. The reverse has extensive green verdigris patination, with age-related surface wear and some irregularity around the outer edge.

An unusual surviving medallic shell combining the history of America's struggle for independence, one of the great naval battles of the 18th century and the fascinating craftsmanship of early commemorative medal reproduction.