Henry Kettle & sons were a medal manufacturer in Birmingham during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. One fragmentary internet source I found mentioned 1792 to 1820.
I am unable to find your item in my sources so cannot give you exact information. My books cover tokens, but I don't think this is a token. I suggest it is more of a medallion or commemorative piece. One fragmentary internet source suggested it was a school reward token.
The quote "FEAR GOD HONOUR THE KING" comes from the Bible - 1 Peter 2:17. It also appears frequently on tokens made around that time. The text in the suns rays is Hebrew for "Jehova", or more likely "Yahweh", the Hebrew name for God. I am not a Hebrew scholar, so maybe another forum resident can do better with this part. All this supports the idea that it is a religious medal, possibly handed out as a school reward.
The style of manufacture certainly fits the very late 18th or very early 19th centuries. The hole suggests it was worn as a pendant.
I found an
ebay auction ending in Feb 2018, where one of these in brass in better condition than yours, sold for £ 19.87. Yours is copper, so I don't know how that affects the value.
There is a book which may help you:
British Historical Medals 1760 to 1960, volume 1, George III to William IV.
Laurence Brown
I don't have this unfortunately. Internet prices seem to vary around £60 to £80, so maybe your local library could get it for you. If you find anything out, please add it to this thread, as I would be interested to know.
Posted 03/03/2018 05:12 am
