The cylindrical leather body and handle applied around the rim with scalloped mount, the hinged cover chased with a frieze of acanthus leaves and set in the center with a meal bordered by the inscription Sal. P.C.P M.D.K.P. 1717, the obverse of the medal with skull and hourglass, the reverse inscribed NAAR / DU : MEENE / AD : FLORERE / BEST. / SAA.ER.DODEN / DIN.WISSE / GEST, the thumbpiece cast with a cypher below a marquess coronet
9¹⁄₄ in. (23.5 cm.) high
12 oz. 17 dwt. (399 gr.) gross weight

The Collection of the Rothschild family.
By descent to the present owners.

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Lot Essay

The inscription on the reverse of the medal NAAR / DU : MEENE / AD : FLORERE / BEST. / SAA.ER.DODEN / DIN.WISSE / GEST translates as 'When you think you are at the peak of your bloom, Death is your sure host. Wherever you turn, Death is your end'.

The medal marks the death of Anna Cathrine of Schleswig-Holstein (1618-1633), a daughter of Christian IV of Denmark (1577-1648) and his second wife, Kirsten Munk (1598-1658). As this was a morganatic marriage, Anne Cathrine was not considered a princess of Denmark in her life-time.