Details
An extensive collection of 645 Papal Medals, formed in the mid 18th century. The medals vary in size from 19 to 83 mm with an average size of about 40mm and consist of 137 silver, 104 gilt and 404 bronze. All have had a small loop fixed to their edges with soft solder for exhibition purposes, and are generally in very fine to extremely fine condition. The early pieces are restrikes. The lot comprises: (645)
Provenance
Formed by Monsenor Giovanni M Mastai Ferretti, who, as a young Secretary, accompanied Monsenor Muzi on his visit as Apostolic Legate to Chile, 1823-1824.
Formerly kept in the official residence of the Presidents of Argentina at Olivos and owned by various heads of government from Pedro Prilidiano Pueyrredon to don Carlos Villate Olaguer.
A gift, at the turn of the century, from don Carlos, to Federico Alvarez de Toledo, and by descent from him to the present owner.
A brief account of the collection is given in the introduction to the 1987 Exhibition Catalogue.
Formerly kept in the official residence of the Presidents of Argentina at Olivos and owned by various heads of government from Pedro Prilidiano Pueyrredon to don Carlos Villate Olaguer.
A gift, at the turn of the century, from don Carlos, to Federico Alvarez de Toledo, and by descent from him to the present owner.
A brief account of the collection is given in the introduction to the 1987 Exhibition Catalogue.
Exhibited
Exposicion de Medallas de Pontifices Romanos, como homenaje a la visita de S.S. Juan Pablo II, 23 March - 14 April 1987, Museo Colonial de San Francisco, Santiago, Chile. A copy of the exhibition catalogue is available with the lot.