Medal commemorating John Clare (1820-1885), shipbuilder. Obverse: Legend: 'IN COMMEMORATION OF THE RT. HON. THE VIS. PALMERSTON, K. G., G. C. B., &c . ENGLAND'S PRIME MINISTER.' Inscription: 'SPONTANEOUSLY PRESENTING ON BEHALF OF THE BRITISH NATION 13 JULY 1869 AS OF H. M. ROYAL BOUNTY FUND £100.' Half model (right) of a ship with diagonal girders crossing. Inscription (above, left, right and below): 'VIS CUM LEVITATE . MARI IGNI ET . MISSILIBUS IMPERVIUM . EFFICAX UNITA FORTIAR' (Strength combined with lightness - proof against water, fire and missiles - efficacy enhanced by union). Inscription: 'TO JOHN CLARE JUN . FOR HIS VALUABLE DISCOVERIES AS INVENTOR & PATENTEE OF THE CLIMAX OF NAVAL MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION ON LIFE PRESERVING PRINCIPLES FROM GREAT BRITAIN'S MINERAL STAPLE ALSO MACHINERY FOR METAL SHIP BUILDING NO . 2042, SEP . 5 1853 & NO 2662 17 NOV . 1853.' Reverse: Inscription, 'FOR A STANDARD PRINCIPLE OF CONSTRUCTION & METAL IN SHIP BUILDING JOHN CLARE JUN . HAS STOOD ALONE & FOUGHT SINGLE HANDED TO UPHOLD ENGLAND'S MARITIME SUPREMACY WITH HER MINERAL STAPLE AFLOAT FOR A NATIONAL DEFENCE THE SUBSCRIBERS OF THE PUBLIC REVENUE AND MINERAL LANDED PROPRIETORS &c. REMAINING SUPINE DURING 7 YEARS INJUSTICE & PERSECUTION FROM THE EXECUTIVE OF THE ADMIRALTY . SUCH GRAVE OPPRESSION TO SO GREAT A BENEFACTOR FOR HIS COUNTRY'S GOOD MUST EVER BRAND THE BRITISH NATION WITH THE BASEST TURPITUDE & REDOUND TO THE WORLD'S FAME FORESIGHT & DISCRIMINATION OF THE MOST UNRIVALLED BRITISH STATESMAN & KING OF PREMIERS.'