Lot 4146

Description

Ceremonial presentation key, 1904, in sterling silver (95mm long), hallmarked for Birmingham 1900 and made by F. Walters & Co, engraved floral and scroll design on shank, at end of this is a Maltese cross with wreath and in the centre of the cross is inscribed on obverse, 'To/J.W./Coleman/Esq./M.L.A.' and on the reverse, 'On the/opening of the/Lismore Hospital/June 1st 1904'. With unofficial ribbon and in unofficial case, extremely fine and unique.

John William Coleman was the NSW Government member of the Legislative Assembly for Rous electorate which encompassed the area between the Tweed and Richmond rivers. It was replaced in 1913 by Byron electorate. Coleman Bridge over Leycester Creek at Main Road, Lismore, which was completed in 1908 was named in his honour at the request of the Lismore Municipal Council to the Works Department. The naming was in recognition of the high regard in which he was held by the people of Lismore and as a memorial to him as he had died on 8 June 1905.