Lot 774

Description

Bendigo, St Andrews Society, 1869, handcrafted medals (2) in silver (53mm), plain silver disc with an ornate floral design surround, loop mount, ribbon and two suspender bars, maker J.M. (John Melrose, Bendigo), inscribed on obverse 'Bendigo / St Andrews Society / 2nd Annual / Gathering', inscribed on reverse '1st Prize / Race in Highland Costume / Awarded to / Mr Willm. Gall / 2nd Janry 1869'; second medal similar design (51mm), inscribed on obverse 'Bendigo St Andrews Society / 3rd Annual / Gathering', inscribed on reverse '1st prize / Highland Fling / Awarded to / Mr Willm. Gall / 31st Dec 1869'; Order of St Andrew S.C., handcrafted medal in silver (44mm x 44mm) modified Maltese cross with circular gold (17mm) insert, loop mount with suspender bar, maker J.M., bar inscribed 'Champion Medal / for / Scotish (sic) Dancing / Awarded to / Mr W.Gall / Jan 1st 1879', small piece of silver belt missing. Nearly extremely fine and a very rare trio of early medals from Bendigo by John Melrose. (3)

John Melrose (1821-1912) born Edinburgh where he learned his trade before working in dentistry. He came to Australia in 1854 settling in Bendigo, being one of the first to set up a dentistry as well as practising his craft as a jeweller.