Scotland: Burgh of Monifieth (Forfarshire) Coronation Medal 1911. The hallmarked silver medal with integral ornate top brooch bar

The integral top brooch bar, reverse indented 'Sterling Silver'', retaining the original hinged pin and clasp fittings to the reverse

Metal: Silver with dated English hallmarks for Birmingham 1911 & maker 'J A Restall & Co'

Weight: 31g (Including riband & top brooch bar)

Obverse: Joint busts of King George V and Queen Mary, with legend 'H.M. George V H.M. Queen Mary' with date in field '1911'

Reverse: In centre 'Monifeith' and below the Monifeith heraldic coat of arms. This surrounded by legend(s) on top 'Coronation June 22nd 1911'& below 'James Fenton Provost'

Note: In Scotland, Provost (not Mayor) is the title used to describe an elected official who is head of the local council, the provosts of Scottish Cities, are referred to as 'Lord Provost'

While Monifieth's history is an ancient one, it's status as a 'Burgh' of the country of Forfarshire (now Angus) only dates from 1895-1975, during which time Monifieth was a Police Burgh, electing their own 'Provost' (Mayor) and Councillors. Historically Monifeith was one - and the most recent - of only eight Burghs in the County of Forfarshire. Only 11 'Provosts' held office in the period 1895-1975, of which, James Fenton, was only the second Provost, and he held office there between 1906-1916. Arguably the greatest achievement of his stewardship as 'Provost', was successfully contesting in favour of Monifieths independence as a stand-alone 'Burgh' in the 'Dundee Boundaries Bill' that was debated in the national parliament in London, in 1913. Other significant national and international events that occured during his office as 'Provost', included; the death of King Edward VII (1910); the Coronation of King George V (1911) and the outbreak of the 'Great War' (1914). The Dundee Courier issue of 15 October 1951, includes a photograph of James Fenton together with a most detailed obituary

A rare instance of a Scottish Burgh having commissioned the design, striking and award their own unofficial 'Coronation' Medal for award to designated local office bearers, officials and dignitaries. A rare medal, and not to be confused with the examples of cheap, light alloy, give-away souvenir medals that towns the length & breadth of the United Kingdom typically presented to local schoolchildren as a keepsake of the Coronation

Rare, and hitherto un-recorde in medallic reference works and national collections

Condition: About EF

Code: 21507