Lot 3253

Description

France, Paris Universal International Exposition, 1878, prize medal in bronze (68mm), by J.C.Chaplain, obverse, laureate bust of France left, reverse, above a scene of the exhibition buildings Victory holding a wreath and trumpet and below to right is Cupid holding aloft a plaque and stamped on this in relief, 'J.Gillard'. Nearly uncirculated.

J.Gillard of South Australia was awarded a bronze medal in the wine section with medals distributed by the Marshall-President of the French Republic on 21 October 1878.

When Edward John Peake passed away in 1876, his Clarendon vineyard was bought by Joseph Gillard, a pioneering vintner who had planted a substantial vineyard at Norwood, adjacent to Penfolds' Grange vineyard and winery at Magill, near Adelaide. Joseph Gillard sold premium grapes to his son Joseph jnr who was manager and winemaker of Penfolds Magill for inclusion in the famous Penfolds wines.