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Medal 2015-132
Dutch Naval Victories Medal
Medal 2015-132

Dutch Naval Victories Medal

Date1627
OriginEurope, Netherlands
MediumCast brass
DimensionsDiameter: 63mm
Credit LineGift of John Kraljevich
Object number2015-132
DescriptionObverse: Bust of Prince Maurice of Orange facing three quarters right in armor with ruff and broad scarf, separated by a circle from an outer border of ornamental shields bearing the arms of the Seven United Provinces within shields and their names on ribbons. At the top appear two hands clasped and tied by a ribbon holding a sheaf of seven arrows, alluding to the Seven Provinces.

Reverse: The arms of Maurice of Orange with the motto of the Order of the Garter (of which he was a member), HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE, within a laurel wreath of two branches alluding to the naval victories being commemorated by this medal.
Label TextDuring this period of fierce competition for New World colonies, victories over a nation’s rivals were often touted by the issue of commemorative medals. 1624 saw the Seven United Provinces of the Netherlands defeat the Spanish navy twice, once off the coast of Brazil and the other off Lima, Peru. This large medal marks these triumphs. Initially produced in silver and bearing the date of the victories, this 1627-dated example is an after cast, and was made a few years later, likely from an original medal. Its legends are hand engraved, and the hole at the top suggests it may have been worn as a pendant.
InscribedObverse - MAURITUS D. G. COM PRINCEPS AURIACCE NASS & c PROV CONSA GUB (Latin for 'Maurice by the Grace of God Prince of Orange and Count of Nassau Governor of the United Provinces') engraved around Maurice's bust within the inner circle.

Reverse - JE MEINTIENDRAY (Latin for 'I Will Maintain') engraved on the tablet below the arms at the bottom. The date "16 27," separated by a pellet appears below the tablet at the very bottom.