Lot 727

Description

University of Sydney, 1853, hand engraved medal in gold (92.18gms, 64.5mm), presented to Fitzwilliam Wentworth, obverse, central floral spray within decorative border, around, inscription in latin 'Universita Sidneien Virtutem Doctrina Paret', engraved on reverse inscription in latin which translates as 'the Principal, Vice-Principal and Fellows of the University, all concurring and present in the Month of March in the year 1853, gave as a gift and sign of their goodwill and encouragement to work, a medal struck in gold to Fitzwilliam Wentworth, student of the youthful University of Sydney, oustanding for his interest in both sides of scholarship on his departure to Cambridge'. An interesting early and historical medal of the University of Sydney being the first medal awarded by Australia's first University. Flan fitted in a gold ring pierced for suspension. Nearly extremely fine and extremely rare.

Ex Spink Australia Sale 23 (lot 957). Fitzwilliam Wentworth, son of W.C.Wentworth was one of the first matriculants of the University of Sydney which was founded by an Act in 1850. His name appears in tbe first register of lecture fees dated 14th October 1852. The first lectures were given in 1853. The Wentworth Medal was first awarded in 1854 and involved two hundred pounds for best English essay (won by Mr Wyndeyer). The first graduates came out in 1856.