Colonial Historical piece ???

[sscindercoop]

Found at a colonial fort site, thanks To Jeff in PA for figuring out what it says and for the info on the piece. Says Wilkes And Liberty 45 http://www.history.org/foundation/jo...r03/wilkes.cfm Any other info on the piece would be greatly appreciated thanks coop.

 

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[diggummup]

Great find. Rare indeed. I don't believe it to be a token but it may be something besides a wax seal. Did I miss another post about this? What is it made of? I found a little more info concerning objects relating to Wilkes-

The cause of 'Wilkes and Liberty' rallied enormous support and sympathy throughout the country. Tokens, badges and brooches were produced in quantity, as was commemorative pottery and porcelain. The British Museum has a several items associated with Wilkes.
Birmingham was the main centre for the production of such small objects as enamel boxes, scent-bottles, plaques and candlesticks.

Here- British Museum - Enamel snuff box and cover, painted with the seated figure of John Wilkes

 

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[CMDiamonddawg]

Great id by Jeff of Pa , I figured out the word Liberty immediately but would have never got Wilkes , a shady character but somewhat famous , awesome find with a story , Congrats coop

 

[jeff of pa]

It sort of looks like it may have been from a seal, but if so wouldn't the incuse markings be a mirror image of those words??

it is. see first pic.

I flipped his pics to make it easier to read

 

[Deepdiger60]

Great historic find Coop i found a little history on the meaning of the number 45 that is on your piece hope this helps Jim
History

1762–63

Issues number 1 (5 June 1762) to number 44 (2 April 1763) were published on consecutive Saturdays.
The newspaper was begun in response to The Briton, a pro-government paper started by Tobias Smollett. Only eight days after that newspaper began publication, the first issue of The North Briton came out. It then came out weekly until the resignation of the Bute government.
Issue 45

The North Briton issue number 45 (23 April 1763) is the most famous issue of the paper. It criticized a royal speech in which King George III praised the Treaty of Paris ending the Seven Years' War. Wilkes was charged with libel (accusing the King of lying), and imprisoned for a short time in the Tower of London. Wilkes challenged the warrant for his arrest and seizure of his paper, eventually winning the case. His courtroom speeches started the "Wilkes and Liberty!" cry, popular slogan for freedom of speech and resistance to power. Later that year, Wilkes reprinted the issue, which was again seized by the government. Before it could be burned, assembled crowd rescued the text, and the ensuing events caused Wilkes to flee across the English Channel to France, and be eventually imprisoned again. In 1764, the British House of Commons declared Wilkes the author of number 45. Nonetheless, by the time Wilkes was released from prison in 1770, "45" had was still a popular icon not only of Wilkes, but of freedom of speech in general

The North Briton - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[WHADIFIND]

Now, THAT, is one of those finds that just sings historical significance! Those are the ones I love the most!

Congrats!
HH!

 

[sscindercoop]

Would be great if you can find the rest, or maybe you already have? I've never seen a seal lead to a story like that, so very cool.

Thanks Ip, The site has been pounded for years so I would imagine someone else found the rest of the seal, Ill keep looking though. HH

 

[sscindercoop]

Now that's one cool seal, with providence.

It's would be cool to see a wax impression once it's cleaned up a bit.

It's a banner worthy find anyday.

Thanks, Yeah to me it doesn't get more Banner worthy than this but most members on here would rather see a diamond ring or something that's not historically significant up top, Not that it matters to me Im beyond thrilled to have it in my collection. Im not sure what to press it in to show the image maybe play-doh??

 

[diggummup]

I forgot about the image being reversed. Disregard my last post, it is definitely a seal.

I vote banner on both the historical significance and the rarity of the piece.

 

[Gabba360]

Great historic find!

 

[Zodiacdiverdave]

Holy moly, that is an awsome piece of American history. It just doesn't get any better then that now does it?
This is truly a piece worthy of the National Museum of American History not just the Banner but all I can do is vote for this to be on the Banner.
Congrats on an amazing discovery and I hope you find the mount for it.
ZDD

 

[sscindercoop]

Holy moly, that is an awsome piece of American history. It just doesn't get any better then that now does it?
This is truly a piece worthy of the National Museum of American History not just the Banner but all I can do is vote for this to be on the Banner.
Congrats on an amazing discovery and I hope you find the mount for it.
ZDD

Thanks, Going to look for the mount tomorrow. HH

 

[Tnmountains]

Nice find and it sure has a lot of history behind it. Good I.D and would be a favorite in any collection. I like post where you have to actually study the history. Treasure is not always a shiny object. Nice job with all the members knowledge.

 

[CRUSADER]

Nice fob insert!

 

[Coop93]

Awesome!!! Definitely a banner find congrats

 

[Metal Magnet]

fantastic! such a cool piece of history to find there. he was a very interesting fellow.

 

[Jeff H]

Congrats on a really cool find ! Banner worthy for sure.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

it is. see first pic.

I flipped his pics to make it easier to read

OK - that makes sense now. Thanks.

 

[Tnmountains]

I liked this part where the man fought for we he thought was right.... He fought for freedom of the press to criticize ministers and report proceedings in Parliament, for security from arbitrary arrest and seizure of property, and for the rights of electors. Wilke's continuing challenges to government authority, even after he became a Member of Parliament in 1761,

What a guy ! I came home and saw it made banner. Congratulations! Great historical find.

 

[Wildcat1750]

Incredible BANNER find and historical background to go with it!

 

[kieser sousa/rip]

Congrats on banner Coop ! I hope you can find the rest of it !