JOHN THANE'S 1786 FREDERICK SALE INVOICE

I recently bought for the Sovereign Rarities library here, an amazing bound volume of 18th Century British auction catalogues from your advertiser Douglas Saville of the 1785-88 period. They are sales that were held by the auctioneer Gerard at his house in Litchfield Street, St Anne's, Soho in London.

Tucked inside the front of the sale of “The Entire and Very Valuable Museum of the Late Sir Charles Frederick” held on 17th May 1786 until 20th May 1786 is the original auction bill for John Thane (c.1747-1818) whose own major sales of coins took place after his death.

I attach herewith a scan of the two sided auction bill dated 20th May 1786 which totals an amazing £131 and 8 Shillings with full breakdown of the lots and money paid to add up to this total. 52 lots purchased over the four days of activity.

I have never seen an original auction bill to purchase coins from the late 18th Century and I thought fun to share with your readership.

I see from Manville's biographical dictionary that Sir Charles Frederick (1709-85) was a politician and antiquary. Comptroller of the Ordnance and Fireworks, known for his collection of Anglo Gallic coins (20 gold and 53 silver) - from which Thane purchased some pieces on this bill.

John Thane was a London agent-dealer, printseller and engraver in Soho and married to Thomas Snelling's daughter, later selling Snelling's collection post mortem to Samuel Tyssen.

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