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Inscribed "DITIOR IN TOTO NON ALTER CIRCULVS ORBE" around the portrait of Elizabeth I. 17 x 9 x 4 1/2 in. Note from Bonhams: Colored glass vessels with gilt-metal mounts are traditionally attributed to Venice, with the colors normally being green or blue. The unusual use of ruby glass for this lot suggests a different country of origin, with Germany or Bohemia being the most likely places. See for example a mid-18th century ruby glass bottle vase of similar size and with gilt-metal foot in the British Museum Collection, item no. 1851, 0909.3, donated in the mid-19th century by Felix Slade as a Venetian example and now attributed to Germany. As to why this fine glass vase is mounted with a medallion of an English monarch currently remains a mystery. A similar medal is in the collection of the British Museum, item no 1866, 1218.1, designed by Nicholas Hilliard (1547-1619). The front is of virtual identical design, with the reverse also decorated, with a bay tree protected by lightning and winds, flourishing upon an island. On the island are buildings and in the sea monsters, with three ships in the distance, all within a floral border. These medals were struck in 1589, to commemorate victory over the Spanish Armada and probably served as presents from the Queen to her favorites.