This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/16/2019
Lion Tamer Presentation Medal to Mr. Mundy by Capt. Marco. 1898. Finely engraved medallion by Vaughton & Sons, Birmingham, engraved on the reverse: “Presented to Mr. Mundy by Capt. Marco Lion Tamer for shaving him in presence of lion/Mar. 21/98.” Initials engraved on central shield, fleurs-de-lis in corners. Width 44.45mm. Little is known of the lion tamer Captain Marco, except that he traveled with a menagerie and performed in small English towns in the late nineteenth century. A Welsh newspaper report, published just months after this medal was presented to Mundy, related the news that while performing in the lion cage with a mason, Capt. Marco was “severely bit…in the back of the head causing blood to flow freely.” Mundy appears to have been an American zoo and menagerie manager.