An Elephant and the Menagerie

Lot 1159_Deane Collection_web.jpg

Baldwin's upcoming auction, The Deane Collection Part III has a story to tell. The famous numismatic dealers and auction house, now celebrating its 151st year has had a long term connection with the strand, having been established in Duncannon Street in 1901.

The strand was known for the famous attraction of the Gilbert Pidcock’s, Zoo/Menagerie, which was situated about where the Strand Palace is today. Initially Pidcock created a travelling menagerie which eventually settled on the Strand in 1789. It became one of the places to go, a fashionable venue for polite society, even visited by members of the Royal Family.

In 1793 they acquired ‘The most Stupendous male Elephant - a Soloman of the beasts’. This was paraded around the city by its keeper at night and for a shilling would drink a pint of ale ! it was the star of the menagerie and featured on the token halfpennies and farthings Pidcock issued to advertise his zoo that could be used anywhere in London.

Pidcock also bought another elephant, named Chunee , for 900 guineas in 1810 which also became a great favourite with the public- but on the 1^st. of March in 1826 he went berserk and was eventually shot in the Strand by the army.

Lots 1159 (pictured) estimated at £100-200 and Lot 1167 (Pictured) featuring a Gilbert Pidcock Farthing will be sold at auction on the 11th October as part of The Deane Collection Part III.

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Retail stock available
Pictured (left)
Julius Caesar denarius c. 49BC
£1,950
Available for purchase direct at Baldwin's

Obverse: Depiction of an elephant trampling a snake. The inscription ‘CAESAR’ below the elephant.

The symbol of an elephant on the obverse has three possible meanings, all pointing to Caesar striking this coin as part of self-promotion: 1) Legend had it that the founder of Caesar’s family killed an elephant single-handedly. 2) Caesar’s rival Pompey had recently tried to enter Rome on a chariot drawn by 4 elephants, since the gate was too narrow, the entrance was a huge flop. This coin was designed to highlight Pompey’s shortcomings. 3) The elephant represents the might of Caesar and his legions, trampling a snake which represents the enemy. The elephant defeating the snake is symbolising the fight of good versus evil.

To request an auction catalogue or purchase from the retail branch please contact Dominic from the Baldiwin's team below

Email Dominic at Baldwin's

Thematic highlights: Elephants on stamps Our tailored list includes a selection of stamps showcasing the beauty of elephants on stamps.

The list includes a wonderful example in this North Borneo 1922 SG258a. Only 10 pairs are believed to have existed, of which one is in the Royal Collection and two were used.

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NORTH BORNEO 1922 SG258a Mint MBE vertical pair IMPERFORATE BETWEEN
Stock Code: P234005554
Available to purchase at £2,000.00

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RHODESIA 1898 SG93 Mint £10 lilac
1898-1908 £10 lilac, large part o.g. (very slightly disturbed from previous mounting) and with faint diagonal bend (invisible from face), still way above average for this delicate and elusive key high value, this just the third we have handled in mint condition. (cat £4,000)
Stock Code: P234005707
Available for purchase at £2,750.00

View SG93