Unknown - portrait of General Washington

This miniature portrait of General Washington was purchased at auction in 2008 as a cheap impulse buy, but has been lying on one side as nothing could be found out about it and it did not really fit within the scope of this collection. The portrait is 55mm in diameter and the ebonised frame is 115mm x 110mm. It may have been originally gilded or polished.

It was a puzzle as it refers to General Washington, whereas nearly all portraits refer to him as President Washington. It does not even seem to appear in standard references to portraits of George Washington, such as Eisen. As can be seen from the reverse, it is a likely a pressing with several copies being made.

However, a kind visitor has now provided some information about the portrait, as a few similar examples are known. He advises of an apparently identical one in his collection;
(Circa 1785) General Washington Uniface Medallion. England. Repousse". Diameter 56mmmm. Rare unlisted Washington uniface medal in period frame. John J. Ford had 3 of these in his collection, Ford II, Lots 243-245. Ford believed these were used with mirrored backs and circa 1786-1790. Ford's deduction was not difficult; clearly these pieces with the "General Washington" legend, and no reference to his presidency were pre 1789 when Washington was inaugurated president. Lot 245 had the plain rim as this does, but all 3 Ford pieces were holed. I am only aware of those 3 examples, and one where the design was incorporated into the lid of a box. 2 of Ford's examples originated in England, as did this example, making it highly likely it was of English manufacture. This is the only unholed example with plain rims.

Another one with silver overlay, was sold by Heritage Auctions in November 2010 for nearly $1800, being described as;
George Washington: A Superb Early Portrait Plaque. This highly detailed, high-relief silver shell medallion is surrounded by raised brass rim, and set into a lacquered hardwood frame. This is the same sort of medallion image seen under glass on snuff boxes of the very early 1790-1815 era. Original brass suspension loop at the top is attached by a brass clasp in the form of a collage of implements of war. A beautifully made early GW display item. Medallion 51mm, overall dimensions 4.375" x 4.125".

To my eye, the one with a silver surface looks as if it has recently been re-silvered and thus is not in original condition. The frame and hanger may also be replacements.

From these various comments, it seems the portrait is of British origin. About a year ago, I saw for sale on eBay a very similar portrait in an identical frame, but of Napoleon. Thus the two portraits would seem to have been made at the same time. It appears they were sold in frames like this, but also used for snuff box lids. 1349