Lot 3462

Description

Campbell Challenge Vase, medal struck in gold (15ct, 12.0g, 23mm), by V&S (Vaughton & Sons), hallmark for Birmingham, 1924, ring top suspension, edge inscribed '1924-25/Cdt.E.Lodge'. Extremely fine and rare.

From the N.Z. Herald 15 December 1904. Courtesy National Library of New Zealand - Papers Past.

"At the presentation of prizes to the pupils of the Auckland Grammar School, to take place in the Choral Hall to-night, a challenge vase will be presented which has an historic interest, having been in Auckland 47 years, and competed for by Auckland volunteers as far back as 1859. This is the Campbell Champion Challenge Vase, presented by Sir John Logan Campbell, who, though the fact has not often been publicly referred to, inaugurated the Auckland Volunteer Rifle Corps. In 1859 his silver vase, the same trophy which will appear at the Grammar School presentation tonight, was first shot for. Sir John Logan Campbell is justifiably proud of his connection with the volunteer movement in Auckland. His inauguration of the Auckland Volunteer Corps in 1855 was prior to the great volunteer movement in the Old Country, which took practical form with the first grand reviews held in London and Edinburgh. This prize is only held by the winner for a year, when it is again competed for. As a further incentive to induce competition, the winner now receives a silver medal, a very beautiful work of art, upon which is inscribed his name, and which becomes his property".

Sir John Logan Campbell (1817-1912) was a notable figure, he was described by many as 'the father of Auckland'. He was a politician and served as Mayor of Auckland for a brief period in 1901.

The gold medal features a portrait of Campbell and was obviously a later upgrade from the silver award mentioned in the 'Herald' article of 1904.