Lot 781

Description

British Empire Games, 1938, official badge for competitor in silvered bronze (33.5x28.5mm rectangular with mitred corners), pin back with provision for ribbon, by Stokes & Sons, Melbourne, impressed no.131 on reverse; green felt pennant (56cm at widest end, 149cm long) by David Jones, Sydney, features title, 'British Empire/Games' above 'Sydney 1938' divided by Australian arms and below this is featured the crests and names of all other competing countries except Fiji, in the following order of display these are Canada, England, Scotland, Sth.Africa, Wales, New Zealand, Rhodesia, Bermuda, Brit.Guiana, Ceylon, Trinidad, Nthn.Ireland, and India; also a British Empire Games of 1938 receipt no.361 dated 7/9/37 for a Membership Ticket. The pennant has some moth holes and the badge has dark toning, otherwise good very fine - extremely fine. (3)

The British Empire Games was held in the southern hemisphere for the first time in 1938. This competition, the third British Empire Games, from 5-12 February coincided with the 150th anniversary of British settlement in Australia. The opening ceremony was staged at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground. Fifteen nations participated including the surprise debut of Fiji which only competed in the men's lawn bowls. A total of 464 participants competed in 71 events and Australia was the outright winner with 25 gold, 19 silver and 22 bronze for a total of 66 medals, next best was Canada with 44 medals and then England with 40 medals.