Auction: 7023 - The Glenister Collection of British Coins & other Ancient, English & Foreign Coins & Comm Medals
Lot: 390
g John Gilchrist, 1841, gold medal by C. Voigt, bust three-quarters right, signed low right, rev. angel seated holding a tablet, attended by three pupils holding attributes of learning and knowledge, 144.14g., 57mm. (BHM.2004- not listed in gold), some light marks in fields, about extremeley fine, extremely rare, in original fitted case, the lid gilt-blocked ´Gilchrist Educational Trust´ around shield Estimate £ 1,200-1,400 The Gilchrist Educational Trust was founded by Dr John Borthwick Gilchrist (1759-1841), a medical doctor who, after serving with the Honourable East India Company, developed an interest in oriental languages. He became Professor of Oriental Languages at the Marquis of Wellesley´s College, Calcutta, Lecturer on Oriental Languages and Literature in London and Edinburgh, and Professor of Hindustani at University College, London. With Dr. Birkbeck he established the London Mechanics Institution (later Birkbeck College), and with Hume and others he established University College in 1826. Under the terms of his will Dr Gilchrist left the residue of his estate to the trustees ´for the benefit, advancement and propagation of education and learning in every part of the world as far as circumstances will permit.´ The Trust is perhaps best known for its establishment of the Gilchrist Lectures 1867-1930. The Gilchrist Educational Trust is today a Registered Charity, and gives grants to support needy individuals and organisations, as well as funding related expeditions and fieldwork.
Sold for
£1,800