Convict Love Token - 1820 - M L
This token may relate to Michael Lambert, 19, a jeweller, who was tried and convicted at the Middlesex Gaol Delivery on 17 February 1820 for coining - forged bank notes had been found in his possession. He was sentenced to 14 years' transportation. Later the same year, on 28 October, Mary Lambert, 18, thought to be Michael's wife, was tried and convicted at the Middlesex Gaol Delivery for the same offence. She was also sentenced to 14 years' transportation. The double monogram of ML on the token probably refers to both husband and wife. Michael Lambert sailed on the Guilford on 12 May 1820 arriving in Hobart on 28 October 1820. Mary Lambert sailed on the Providence on 6 June 1821 and arrived in Hobart on 18 December 1821.
Transcription
Back
Token engraved with eight lines of text surrounded by a border of leaves tied at centre bottom:
WHEN
I AM AFAR
BEYOND THE
SEAS PRAY
LOOK AT THIS
AND THINK
OF ME
M L
Front
Token engraved with the profile of a walking man smoking a pipe and holding a large tankard of what looks like beer. He is wearing striped trousers, boots, a buttoned overcoat and a top hat. Chains run from his waist to his ankles, but are not preventing him from striding. On either side of him is a potted plant and on the middle right of the token is a heart with two crossed arrows. An ornate border of leaves runs around each side. Repeated on either side are the initials:
M*L M*L
At the base is the date:
1820
Diameter
36.0 mm
Copyright: National Museum of Australia
