1817 Martin Luther Reformation Jubilee Silver Medal Box
This exceptional silver box commemorates the 300th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, integrating two large struck medals within a finely crafted cylindrical case. The top medal, designed and signed by Danish court medallist Salomon Ahron Jacobson, is an official issue struck for the 1817 Reformation Jubilee in Copenhagen. The bottom medal, unsigned yet thematically aligned, deepens the theological narrative with its depiction of the Crucifixion and Lutheran doctrine.
The interior surfaces of the box are lined in a warm gold wash (fire-gilt or gold-plated), highlighting its status as a luxury devotional object. This gilding not only elevates the visual contrast with the silver medals but also protects the inner surfaces and reflects the reverence associated with the Reformation’s message.
Top Medal (Lid) — Martin Luther Portrait by Jacobson
• High-relief portrait of Martin Luther, facing right
• Latin inscription: “MARTINVS LVTHERVS”
• Signed: “S. JACOBSON F.” (Fecit – “he made it”)
• Interior of lid (gilt): Allegorical female figure with cross and Bible
• Inscription: “LVCEM IN SÆCVLA FVDIT” (“He poured light into the ages”)
• Bottom legend: “SOLEN. SÆC. III. HAVN. MDCCCXVII” (Third Reformation Jubilee, Copenhagen, 1817)
Bottom Medal (Base) — Crucifixion & Law and Gospel Scene
• Unsigned silver medal, artist unknown, likely contemporary to the top medal
• Exterior: Crucifixion scene with Roman soldiers and bystanders
• German inscription:
“Am Creutze ist judicihi vor den Menschen gewesen vnd Gottes Erwählter stehe ung den gewyn”
(“On the cross, He was judged by men, and God’s chosen one stands in victory.”)
• Interior (gilt): Theological tableau of Law and Gospel
• Left: Moses with the stone tablets of the Law
• Right: Christ and the Holy Spirit, symbolizing grace
• German inscription:
“Der Geist nimmet euch vnd der Jesus hilffet auf”
(“The Spirit takes you, and Jesus lifts you up.”)
