FRANCE. Jean Rouvet Bronze Jeton, ND (ca. 1800). NGC MS-63 Brown.
cf. F-4997. By Bertrand Andrieu. Diameter: 27.5mm. Obverse: Bust of Rouvet facing left, perimeter legend JEAN ROUVET INVENTEUR DES FLOTTAGES EN 1549.*; signature ANDRIEU F. between perimeter legend and rim, below bust; Reverse: Reed and oak wreath, perimeter legend APPROVISIONNEMENT DE PARIS. above, three-line legend COMMERCE / DE / BOIS FLOTTÉ. within wreath. In 1549 Jean Rouvet invented the industry of floating cut timber in "trains" on rivers. Each timber merchant would apply a unique mark to their logs before rolling them into the river. At a fixed destination, logs would then be identified and collected by their owners. A monument and bust of Rouvet was erected in Clamecy, France in 1828; it bore a remarkable resemblance to Napoleon. Whether this was a matter of economics - David d'Angers adding 16th century dress to an existing Bonaparte bust, or intentional to embarrass the regime of Charles X - is still debated today. This jeton offers satiny surfaces of deep mahogany accompanied by some nuanced mottled shades. Some weakness in the reverse central legend. Unusual in bronze.
Margolis had a few rather overt interests in his collecting of medallic art. One such theme was that of medals pertaining to man's earliest pursuits to conquer the heavens in the form of ballooning. The European exploits of the late 18th century are contained here across many different country categories. Also quite noticeable was his interest in the medallic art of Jewish engravers, such as Jakob Abraham and his son, Abraham Abramson, among numerous others. Across this selection of medals, these themes and topics will become obvious, adding further dimensions to the already intense focus with which Margolis pursued his collecting.
From the Richard Margolis Collection.

Estimate: $60.00 - $100.00