c. 1778 Revolutionary War Period, Benjamin Franklin Portrait Oval Medallion by Wedgwood, (after William Hackwood, Sellers 4, Reilly & Savage a.) Black Basalt Earthenware, measuring 52 mm x 44 mm, Choice Extremely Fine or better.
52 mm x 44 mm. An exceptional Bareheaded Bust Portrait of Franklin facing left, with FRANKLIN impressed on a slight arc beneath the bust. According to Sellers (Benjamin Franklin in Portraiture), this example was created in a variety of sizes, this is the smallest of them, measuring just over two inches at its longer axis. William Hackwood sculpted the bust, apparently inspired by the popular Nini's portrait from life. This one is marked “Wedgwood & Bentley” on its otherwise unmarked back, a mark used just through 1780. The condition is flawless, with no chips or marks, just a light pencil number on the back.