Lot 736

Description

Appreciation medal 1905, in gold (probably 15 carat, 25mm, 9.4 grams) design voided around map of Australia which encloses a horses head on the obverse and 1905 on the reverse, by Stokes & Sons, inscribed 'F.S Morton from K. Masuda'. Die struck with gold scroll mount loop suspender, very fine and probably unique.

Frederick Sydney Morton, Live stock auctioneer, died 1941, was principal in Stewart & Morton, Stock & Station Agents, South Coast, NSW. In 1905, working with his brother, Phillip Morton (Greystanes), he acquired 600 re mounts for the Japanese Army in Queensland. General K. Masuda gave him this medal in recognition of his work. The Japanese were engaged in the Russo- Japanese war of 1904- 5 at the time. The cavalry were formed into one regiment of three squadrons, totalling 430 horses. In addition the reserve cavalry consisted of two regiments of four squadrons each calling for a further 1100 horses.