1862 International Exhibition London White Metal Medal by Pinches (50mm) – West Front Architecture – BHM 2739

1862 International Exhibition London White Metal Medal by Pinches (50mm) – West Front Architecture – BHM 2739.

Add a piece of 19th-century World's Fair history to your collection with this official 1862 London International Exhibition Commemorative Medal. Struck in white metal by the renowned London medallists John Pinches, this large-format 50mm medal celebrates the grand opening of the 1862 South Kensington Exposition on May 1st, 1862.

Design Highlights:

• Obverse Allegory: Features seated allegorical figures representing Britannia (holding the Union Jack flag) and Commerce/Industry (holding a banner inscribed EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA, AMERICA, AUSTRALASIA). In the background are harbor shipping vessels, trade bales, and classical emblems of knowledge and industry. Signed PINCHES LONDON at the exergue.

• Reverse Architecture: Displays an exterior view of the exhibition palace’s famous West Front, designed by Captain Francis Fowke. Inscribed "INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION / WEST FRONT / OPENED MAY 1ST. MDCCCLXII".

Key Specifications & Attributes:

• Year of Issue: 1862

• Origin: United Kingdom (London)

• Medallist / Mint: John Pinches, London

• Catalog Reference: Brown’s British Historical Medals #2739 (BHM 2739)

• Composition: White Metal (Tin/Lead Alloy)

• Diameter: 50 mm (1.966 in)

• Weight: 42g (1.481 oz)

• Condition: About Uncirculated / Extremely Fine details with minor surface marks characteristic of soft white metal issues. Brilliant fields and crisp architectural relief.

Historical Analysis & Design Context

• Historical Event: The 1862 International Exhibition (often called the "Great London Exposition") was held in South Kensington, London. It served as a massive follow-up to Prince Albert's famous 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition, showcasing world industrial achievements, manufacturing, and fine art across 6 million visitors.

• Medallic Artist / Mint: Designed and struck by John Pinches (Medallists) Ltd., London. The Pinches family firm was one of Victorian England’s premier private medal makers.

• Design Breakdown:

  • Obverse (Allegorical Scene): Features two seated female figures. Britannia holds the Union Jack, while Commerce/Industry holds a banner listing the five inhabited continents (EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA, AMERICA, AUSTRALASIA). In the background, masted merchant ships rest in harbor beside bales of trade goods and a classic oil lamp of knowledge. Stamped PINCHES LONDON at the bottom rim.

  • Reverse (Architectural View): Features a detailed exterior perspective of the massive exhibition building designed by Captain Francis Fowke (Royal Engineers). Inscribed INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION around the top rim, WEST FRONT below the building, and OPENED MAY 1ST. MDCCCLXII (1862) at the bottom.

• Catalog Reference: Listed as BHM #2739 (British Historical Medals 1760–1960, Vol. 2 by Laurence Brown).