International Fine Objects

The Stephen R. Parks Collection of Medallic Arts

As Curator of Rare Books at Yale University, Stephen Parks developed a refined taste for architecture, the Art Deco movement, and mid-century American art. His collection of over 200 medals includes many unique uniface trial pieces and previously uncatalogued works. This volume contains a full biography and a photographic annotated catalogue. A must for any serious French or American medal collector.

Artists represented include Jules-Clément Chaplain, Louis-Alexandre Bottée, the Art Union of London, the Wyon family, Paul Manship, and the Medallic Art Company.

$99, shipped within the USA

Grove Vol. I: Colour Reprint, 3rd Edition

Frank Grove's lifetime catalogue of Mexican medals has remained the standard reference for collectors, auctioneers, and grading services for over 50 years. Out of print and increasingly unobtainable, this 3rd edition updates the text with hundreds of high-resolution colour images from recent auctions, replacing the original's grainy black-and-white photographs and hand-drawn sketches. Also covers medals of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Includes a new tribute obituary to Frank Grove.

$35, shipped within the USA

Original Grove Volumes: From the Author's Personal Stock

• Vol. I: Medals of the Spanish Kings: Sold out
• Vol. II: 1821–1971: Sold out
• Vol. III: Orders, Awards & Military Decorations: $200
• Tokens of Mexico: Sold out

Vol. III: $200, shipped within the USA

Johann-Baptist Frener, Life & Works 1821–92

A biography and catalogue of the known works of Johann-Baptist Frener (b. Luzern 1821, d. Guatemala City 1892), late 19th-century Central America's finest engraver. An orphan child prodigy, Frener trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Bovy, Pradier, and Ingres before moving to Florence, Munich, and Luzern, where he produced the spectacular 1853 Shooting Thaler. A chance Guatemalan commission led him to Guatemala City, where he rejuvenated the country's coinage and received further commissions from the mints of Honduras and El Salvador.

This ten-year research project draws on unpublished documents, national archives in Switzerland and Guatemala, and unprecedented access to private collections. Topics include Frener's possible implication in an assassination plot against President Barrios, and his role in designing Guatemala's flag. Diplomatic medals were produced for Ulysses S. Grant, the 1889 Exposition Universelle, and Queen Isabella II of Spain.

$65 + $5 postage within the USA