Anne, 1702-1714. Battle of Malplaquet, Silver Medal, 1709. By J. Croker. 32.8g, 48mm.

Obv: ANNA • D : G • MAG : BRI : FR : ET • HIB : REG :, crowned and draped bust left.

Rev: CONCORDIA • ET • VIRTVTE, French entrenchments in a wood attacked, Victory flying above, with two large laurel leaves, GALLIS • AD • TAISNIERE • DEVICTIS • AVG : XXXI • in exergue in four lines, edge plain.

Reference: Eimer. 438.

A superb example, with an addictive coloured cabinet tone. Only light surface wear and hairlines / marks, light signs of handling. The finest example of this particular medal we have handled to date.

In 1709, the Allies set out to invest Mons, but first had to overcome a formidable French defensive line constructed by Villars and strengthened by the surrounding woods. Marlborough’s army numbered around 110,000 men, facing a French force of about 90,000. The resulting battle was one of the bloodiest of the eighteenth century, with enormous losses on both sides. Although the French were eventually forced from the field, the cost of victory was high. The siege of Mons then proceeded to its successful conclusion. Peace negotiations were already underway, however, and the heavy casualties gave Marlborough and the Whigs a political problem. The Tories argued that such bloodshed had been unnecessary and that favourable terms for peace might have been achieved without the battle. Croker’s depiction of the battlefield is particularly detailed and demonstrates his skill in portraying the scene with clarity.