Wedgwood Bentley 18thc Black Basalt Medallion Of Abraham De Moivre 7cm
Hertsmere, United Kingdom
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Easy returns (14 days)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Marble
Style
Antique, Traditional, Georgian
Product Details
Description
Immerse yourself in the refined world of Georgian neo-classical design with this exceptional Wedgwood & Bentley 18th century black basalt medallion of Abraham De Moivre. A rare and highly desirable piece, this antique medallion epitomises the technical excellence and artistic sensitivity that made Wedgwood the foremost name in fine English ceramics.
Dating from the late 18th century, this finely modelled black basalt portrait medallion presents the celebrated mathematician Abraham De Moivre in crisp, classical profile. The sharpness of the relief, the refined modelling of the features, and the harmonious proportions all demonstrate the superior workmanship associated with the prestigious Wedgwood & Bentley partnership period.
Black basalt was one of Josiah Wedgwood’s most important innovations: a dense, smooth, stone-like body with a deep, velvety black tone designed to emulate the effect of ancient Roman and Etruscan wares. In this medallion, the basalt body provides a dramatic, sophisticated backdrop that enhances every contour of the portrait. The surface has the subtle, silky sheen characteristic of the finest early basalt, lending the piece a distinctly luxurious presence.
Measuring approximately 7 cm in height, the medallion is an ideal size for display, whether framed, mounted, or presented in a cabinet of curiosities. Its compact scale makes it an elegant accent in both traditional and contemporary interiors. Displayed against a pale mount or within a gilt, ebonised, or mahogany frame, the medallion becomes a striking focal point that quietly conveys connoisseurship and taste.
The subject, Abraham De Moivre (1667–1754), was a pioneering mathematician best known for his work on probability theory and the famous De Moivre’s formula in trigonometry. During the 18th century, Wedgwood produced portrait medallions of notable philosophers, scientists, and intellectuals, reflecting the Enlightenment fascination with reason, learning, and classical ideals. This medallion therefore holds not only aesthetic value, but also intellectual and historical significance, making it especially appealing to collectors of scientific history, Enlightenment-era memorabilia, and fine ceramics alike.
Key features:
- Maker: Wedgwood & Bentley
- Period: 18th century
- Material: Black basalt
- Type: Portrait medallion
- Subject: Abraham De Moivre
- Height: Approx. 7 cm
This medallion is an excellent opportunity for collectors seeking an authentic 18th century Wedgwood basalt portrait with strong historical and decorative appeal. Early Wedgwood portrait medallions are increasingly scarce on the market, particularly those from the Wedgwood & Bentley era, and are highly regarded for their quality, refinement, and connection to the intellectual culture of the time.
Whether you are a dedicated Wedgwood collector, an admirer of fine British ceramics, or a lover of Enlightenment-era art and history, this Wedgwood Bentley black basalt medallion of De Moivre offers a rare chance to acquire a museum-worthy piece of ceramic history. Its understated luxury, scholarly subject, and beautiful craftsmanship make it a distinguished addition to any collection of porcelain, pottery, or decorative arts.
This piece will be packed with the utmost care to ensure safe delivery, and is perfectly suited as a special gift for a collector, academic, or anyone with an appreciation for historic Wedgwood basalt and classical portraiture.
Wear Condition
Good
Cancellations
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Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Free collection available
Yes
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Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
1. Free cancellations
Changed your mind before dispatch?
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To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
- Free return
- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
- Full refund, including outbound delivery costs once the seller receives the item
This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
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We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
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5. How to start a return
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- Open your order
- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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