Charles I silver loyalty badge

Rare Charles I silver cast and slightly chased loyalty badge. Circa 1649. Obverse: bust of Charles I facing right, crowned, hair long, in falling lace collar, ermine robes, collar and George of the Garter. Legend: CAROLVS . D . G . MAG . BRITAN . FRAN . ET . HIB . REX . FI . D. Reverse: royal arms, crowned, within the Garter. Wreath border on both sides with suspension rings at top and bottom. See Medallic Illustrations vol. I, page 360, No. 232.



This medal is one of a number of badges intended to be worn by friends or supporters of Charles I. Some were worn as ornamental or honourable decorations conferred for services performed and were struck before the Kings execution. Others were struck after the King was deposed and were worn in a concealed manner as tacit memorials of the monarch or of the cause where an open avowal of such attachment would have been troublesome or dangerous to the wearer.



Size - 2.05 inches (52 mm) long x 1.4 inches (35.6 mm) wide