ADMIRAL  GARDNER'S  TOKEN  MSX  226
This is a penny size token, photographed in direct and indirect light.
Middlesex 226 is actually an election medalet prepared by Wyon and manufactured by Kempson for the Westminster Parliamentary contest of 1796. Admiral Alan Gardner [ later Lord Gardner , 1742 - 1809 ].used the token design to promote his candidacy against Liberal Charles James Fox and Radical John Horne Tooke.
The obverse is an elegant presentation of Gardner as a Naval hero , trampling the French flag and declaring "WORTHY OF THE FLEET OR THE SENATE".
The reverse is a satirical presentation of Gardner's opponents and their causes. Charles James Fox is shown as a fox standing on 3 unstable stones labelled with Liberal causes. The fox holds a banner declaring a Liberal sentiment. Horne Tooke is portrayed as a clergyman [he once studied for the clergy] propping up the stone blocks with a plank of SEDITION [ Tooke was tried and acquitted of High Treason in 1794]. A stable obelisk declaring Conservative values stands securely to the left. The reverse also states a great 18th century pun :"SOME OF THE FOXES [Fox's] TRICKS [cards] ON A WESTMINSTER POLE [poll]".
The token may have helped Gardner, who was elected along with Fox..All three candidates went on to distinguished careers.

Alan Gardner was made an Irish Lord in 1800 and became Commander of the Channel Fleet in 1807.
Charles James Fox [ 1749 - 1806 ].was the main political opposition to William Pitt and the Crown during his long Parliamentary career. He championed the American colonists and the  French Revolution along with other often unpopular Liberal causes.
John Horne Tooke [ 1736 - 1812 ] was a prominent political Radical, imprisoned in 1777 for libelling the Royal troops in America and acquitted of High Treason in a famous 1794 trial. He reached Parliament in 1801 from Old Sarum.
This beautifully designed and executed token thus represents three of the leading figures of the late 18th century in a political contest. I am pleased to have it in my collection and consider it my favorite token.
Reference : R.C. Bell  Political and Commerative Pieces
Michael Grogan   CTCC # 48