(Ca. 1778) Benjamin Franklin portrait medallion by Wedgwood and Bentley. Jasperware, white relief on blue-gray ground dipped dark blue with beveled edges. 80 x 99 mm. Reilly and Savage type c. Wedgwood Portraits and the American Revolution (National Portrait Gallery, 1976), pp. 84-85 (this piece).

Bewigged portrait of Franklin to left, after Gosset, on obverse, with FRANKLIN impressed below. Back impressed with small WEDGWOOD / & BENTLEY at center, two large firing holes. A few provenance labels and old notations are seen on back. Lovely condition, face quite perfect and showing ideal color contrast, a few minor peripheral flakes are seen on the back, including one right of 6 o'clock and another close to 9 o'clock. This medallion was exhibited at and published by the National Portrait Gallery in 1976. With a strong provenance, a fine portrait, a boldly impressed mark, and distinctive edges, this is a prime target for a collector who seeks one superb Franklin medallion from this collection.

From the Richard Margolis Collection. Earlier from Skinner's sale of the Dr. Alvin Kanter Collection, July 2004, lot 361.

Estimate: $2500