Peking Siege Medal [awarded to George Ernest Morrison], ca. 19031903

Inscription

"J. Tayler Foot / Medallist / 18 Poland Street / London. W" -- printed on silk lining of box
"Peking Siege 1900 / G.E. Morrison, M.D. / 'Times' correspondent" -- embossed on box cover
"J. Tayler Foot, S.C." -- embossed on obverse

The Peking Siege Commemoration Medals were struck at the instigation of Mr. Arthur D. Brent, an employee of the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank, who was himself present throughout the siege during the Boxer Rebellion, and were presented to those who were present at the Defence of Legations, June 20 to August 14, 1900. The inscription on the reverse represents the words that appear on the wall of Rembrandt’s Belshazzar's Feast and were interpreted to mean, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” Taken from the Book of Daniel, the words are a portent of doom.