Lot 561

Description

Ballarat Agricultural Society Exhibition, Sept 1859, in silver (45mm), with suspension, reverse inscribed, 'Five Fat Ewes/1st Prize/Awarded to/D Swan Esqr'. Suspension broken, a few small edge nicks, otherwise very fine and rare.

The first annual exhibition was held by the Ballarat Agricultural Society on 27-28 October 1859. The above medal was awarded for Class 20 - Five Fat Ewes - to Mr D.Swan of Burrumbeet. The reported comments regarding this award were, 'This too was a fine clean pen, and with their heavy glossy fleeces, told a tale of what may yet lie in store for the district. We need not say that the prize was readily enough given also in this case.' For this inaugural event only 21 silver medals were awarded.

On 19 June 1861 at a public meeting at Swan's Bridge Hotel, Burrumbeet Mr D.Swan was elected to the committee to manage the farmers' commons for Burrumbeet and Windermere.