Unattributed (mid-16th century), Henry II of France (1547-59), bronze trial medal, HENRICVS II DEI G FRANCOR REX, laureate and armoured bust of Henry II facing three-quarters left, in high relief, rev., traces of Henry II on horseback left, 97mm (Armand -; Mazerolle -; Jones -; cf. Rouhette & Tuzio 21 var.), pierced, the reverse only with traces of the front and rear of the horse, the centre dished and conforming to the relief of the obverse portrait, some reverse scratches, otherwise a very fine contemporary cast, probably unique, with small punch-mark at base of obverse Provenance: John R. Gaines collection.This medal differs from the uniface medal recorded by Rouhette & Tuzio in the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Lyon in that that example shows the king wearing a feathered cap rather than, as here, a laurel wreath. There are additionally slight differences in the armour and no dotted border or inscription although there are guide lines for the yet-to-be-decided-upon inscription – so most probably both pieces are unique trial casts, unfinished in their different ways. It would appear that not enough molten metal was introduced into the mould on the present medal, leaving the dished effect in the centre of the reverse, although the quality of the obverse casting is excellent.

Estimate: GBP 1000 - 1500