Lot 269

Description

Opening of Parliament House 1988, lapel brooch (28mm), in matte finish gilt sterling silver, by Royal Australian Mint, pin backed, voided design with image of new parliament house on central disc with crossed ceremonial maces of the Upper and Lower Houses of Federal Parliament, in fitted case with gold blocked Australian Arms on the lid and inside on the lid lining printed in blue, The First Meetings/Of The Senate And The/House Of Representatives/In The New Parliament House/22 August 1988' and at the bottom, 'Royal Australian Mint'. Foxing on lid lining, otherwise uncirculated and scarce, the first we have seen.

This brooch was issued to Senator Norman Sanders who represented the Australian Democrats in the Tasmanian House of Assembly from 1980 to 1982 and the Australian Senate from 1985 to 1990. All members of the Upper and Lower Houses of Federal Parliament were issued with this commemorative brooch prior to the opening ceremony for the new parliament house in Canberra in 1988.

The full history and many achievements of Norm Sanders, from his early life in the USA through to his career in Australian politics, are available to read on Wikipedia.