Catalogue
The Sydney Deposit Bank, Sydney, one pound, dated 1 July 1890, (18 printed), numbered A 0020, signed for manager Y.S. Richards and countersigned by uncertain signature, on paper, unwatermarked (?), imprint of 'Sands McDougall Limited', vignette in centre as arms with settler and aborigine above motto 'I Take but I Surrender', ornamental circular tablets with 1 in top and lower right corners, and Ã…â€Å‣ ONE in tablet lower left, all within rectangular ornate border inscribed 'N.S.WALES', states below, 'I Promise to pay the Bearer One Pound Sterling on demand value received at Sydney. For the Sydney Deposit Bank', with blue ONE across centre with additional geometic designs, back with large central ONE POUND and 1 in all corners in ornamental rectangular frame, an emu and kangaroo from Australian arms are arranged on either side of central denomination words, on back various signatures, blue and black on white/blue on white, (Vort-Ronald, this note cited, comments on bank and type p.218-219, Tomlinson type illustrated [proof] [p.94-5]). Many folds and creases, rough edge with many tears, a few minor pinholes, otherwise good and very rare.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $2,000
The Sydney Deposit Bank, Sydney, five pounds, proof, not dated, (18 printed), numbered C1517, no signatures, on paper, unwatermarked, imprint of 'Sands McDougall Limited', vignette in centre as arms with settler and aborigine above motto 'I Take but I Surrender', ornamental circular tablets with 5 in top and lower right corners, and Ã…â€Å‣ FIVE in tablet lower left, all within rectangular ornate border inscribed 'N.S.WALES', states below, 'I Promise to pay the Bearer Five Pounds Sterling on demand value received at Sydney. For the Sydney Deposit Bank', with orange FIVE across centre with additional geometic designs, stamped CANCELLED on front across note, back with large central FIVE POUNDS and 5 in all corners in ornamental rectangular frame, an emu and kangaroo from Australian arms are split on either side of central denomination words, orange and blue on white/orange and blue on white, (Vort-Ronald, notes cited, comments on bank and type p.218-219, type illustrated [proof] [p.219]. A few centre creases, good edge, otherwise good very fine and very rare.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $2,600
Union Bank of Australia, one pound, issued at Melbourne but overstamped GEELONG three times, Oct 1, 1845, (18 printed), No. 30341, hand signed by Directors, and entered by Horatio Hinley (the Chief Cashier), printed on watermarked paper probably with [UNION BANK OF] AUSTRALIA with a frame, with imprint on centre of bottom, 'Perkins Bacon & Petch, London, Patent Hardened Steel Plate', with vignettes of Queen Victoria and Britannia to left, Kangaroo and produce to right and ship between, black on white, (Vort-Ronald, p.223-230 on bank, five pound forgery note of similar type illustrated, Tomlinson p.101 illustrates one pound note of type). Folds and creases, with two unobtrusive pin-holes from folds, some aging tone, otherwise fine, very rare and the earliest known note of this bank.
Estimate $7,500
SOLD $0
Union Bank of Australia, Melbourne, one pound altered to five pounds, 1 July 1852, (18 printed), No. 111544, hand signed by uncertain Manager and Accountant, note altered from one pound to five pounds by removing corners with 1 and ONE in oval frames and replacing from other notes by skillful attachment a 5 and FIVE in those corners, in addition letters are added to text changing ONE POUND to FIVE POUNDS, a vignette of Queen Victoria seated on throne upper left and the Britannia and Australia allegorical representations separated by a sailing ship are present, printed on unwatermarked paper (?), with imprint on centre of bottom frame, 'Perkins Bacon & Petch, London Patent Hardened Steel Plate', black on white, (Vort-Ronald Type One (p.225), and compare with other known one pound altered to five pounds forgery, fig.227 (p.223), also for specimen proof of Ã…â€Å‣1 and Ã…â€Å‣5 notes copied, see Spink sale Perkins Bacon Archive lot 786 and 790 both illustrated). Heavy folds and creases, major repairs to note by additions for alterations (as above), many small holes, and extensive toning, otherwise very good, as a forgery the second known example, and very rare for a one pound note from this bank at this time.
Estimate $1,500
SOLD $0
Union Bank of Australia, Melbourne, one pound, dated 1 Jany 1876 (187- printed), numbered No.F452590, uniface note issue, signed Davids (?) for manager and entered by W. Anderson, no watermark, imprint of 'Perkins Bacon & Co. London Patented Hardened Steel Plate', vignette of Britannia and colonial wharf scene, with ships between in background, all within scroll border which includes MELBOURNE at the sides, two vertical overprints of ONE in five blue circles, blue and black on white, (Vort-Ronald, Type two (a), Fig.228, [p.224], similar note, further comments p.223-8). Creases and folds, scattered light stains, otherwise nearly very fine and very rare.
Estimate $1,500
SOLD $0
The Union Bank of Australia, Sydney, one pound, dated 1 Jany 1892 (date printed) in full, numbered No.2/A 540231, paper note issue, signed [..]odward for manager and entered by A.T.S, no watermark, imprint of 'Perkins Bacon & Co. Ld. London', vignette of Britannia and colonial wharf scene, with ships between in background, all within scroll border which includes 'SYDNEY' at the sides, two horizontal green overprint of 'ONE' in three green circles, back with five geometric ovals, green and black on white/black on white, (Vort-Ronald, Type two (b), Fig.229, [p.225], This Note, further comments p.223-8). Creases and folds, scattered light stains, various small thins and irregular pin-holes, otherwise nearly very fine and very rare.
Estimate $1,500
SOLD $0
The Union Bank of Australia Limited, Melbourne, one pound, proof, dated 2 Jany 1899 (date printed in full), and pencil date below Augst 19 1899, not numbered, on card, with three cancellation holes at base, imprint of 'Perkins Bacon & Co. Ld. London', vignette of Britannia and colonial wharf scene, with ships between in background, Queen Victoria in upper left vignette and sovereign reverse lower right as vignette, all within scroll border which includes 'MELBOURNE' at the sides, states 'We Promise to pay the Bearer here on Demand ONE POUND Sterling, Melbourne 2nd Jany 1899, For the Directors & Company', black on white, (Vort-Ronald, Type two (b), cf.Fig.229 currency, [p.225], further comments p.223-8). Gum adhesions on back in all corners, stains and tone on lower edge of front, otherwise good very fine and rare.
Estimate $700
SOLD $520
The Union Bank of Australia Limited, Melbourne, five pounds, proof on card, not dated (18 date printed), various ink marks mostly in the relevant places removed by inking over, not numbered, imprint of 'Thos. Ham Engraver Melbourne', in centre of note, vignette of Britannia and colonial wharf scene, with ships between in background, Queen Victoria in upper left vignette and '5' and 'FIVE' in geometric ovals on upper right and loer left of note, all within ornate rectangular scroll border which includes 'MELBOURNE' at the base and 'UNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA' at top, states 'I Promise to pay the Bearer the Sum of FIVE POUNDS Stg on Demand, .. Melbourne ... 18.., For the Directors & Company', black on white, (Vort-Ronald, Type two?, further comments p.223-8). Side panel section and small internal area added to note for completeness, some card toning and stains, otherwise nearly very fine and excessively rare if not unique.
Estimate $2,500
SOLD $1,900
Union Bank of Australia, Melbourne, fifty pounds, dated 11 March 1854 in pencil (18- printed), not numbered, proof, stamped SPECIMEN, on card, no watermark, imprint of Perkins Bacon & Co. London Patented Hardened Steel Plate, vignette of Britannia and colonial wharf scene, with ships between in background, all within scroll border which includes MELBOURNE at the sides, black on white, (Vort-Ronald, Type two (a), Fig.228, [p.224], similar note but for one pound, further comments p.223-8). Gum adhesion on corners of back, and scattered light stains, otherwise nearly extremely fine and extremely rare.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $750
Western Australian Bank, Perth, Western Australia, one pound, dated 1 Jany 1896, (date fully printed), numbered No D/137345, signed James Mitchell, manager and countersigned by J. Shaw, on paper, no watermark, imprint of 'Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Engravers &c London', vignette of swan in wreath, and ornamental oval tablets with 'ONE' on upper left and right, all within rectangular ornate spiral border inscribed 'WESTERN AUSTRALIAN BANK' above and 'PERTH' below, states below, 'On Demand I Promise to pay the Bearer One Pound Sterling at Perth. For the Western Australian Bank', with blue 'ONE POUND' across centre of note, on back '1' in three geometric circles all within block, blue and black on white/blue on white, (Vort-Ronald, Type three (c), comments on bank and type p.235-8, similar issued note illustrated Fig. 243 [p.237]). Corner missing, fold holes, heavy folds and creases, otherwise nearly fine and very rare.
Estimate $2,500
SOLD $2,300
Western Australian Bank, Perth, Western Australia, five pounds forgery, dated 1 June 1902, (date fully printed twice), numbered No A/820, signed Jno G. Gregory, manager and countersigned by Hodgkinson, on paper, no watermark, no imprint, vignette of swan in wreath, and ornamental shield tablets with '5' these in upper corners, all within rectangular ornate spiral border inscribed 'WESTERN AUSTRALIAN BANK' above and 'PERTH' below, states below, 'On Demand I Promise to pay the Bearer Five Pounds Sterling at Perth. For the Western Australian Bank', with red 'FIVE POUNDS' across centre of note, on back 'FIVE POUNDS' and '5' in geometric frame of circles and ovals all within block, ink and pencil signatures and dates on back, red and black on white/red on white, (Vort-Ronald, Type three (c), comments on bank and type p.235-8, similar issued note illustrated Fig. 243 & 244 [p.237-8]). Heavy folds and creases, otherwise nearly fine and a very rare forgery.
Estimate $500
SOLD $500
Australian Wool Company, Sydney, one pound (payable at The Royal Bank of Australia, Sydney), not dated except 184-, printer's proof, on 'AUSTRALIAN WOOL COMPANY' watermarked paper, imprint on the lower margin 'W.H. Bruce, Engraver and Printer Trump Street Cheapside' vignette of sheep with AWCo on back of ewe, all with rectangular scrolled border, black on white, (Vort-Ronald p.208-9, details of bank, but Australian Wool Company not known). Much paper toning, one large hole, and other small holes, otherwise nearly fine and excessively rare, being the only known specimen.
Estimate $2,500
SOLD $0
Burra Burra Mines, three pounds, specimen pay form as a currency note, not dated but c.1840's (184- printed), on watermarked paper inscribed RM INN & Co, no imprint, with butt as a receipt, states on front 'To the secretary of the South Australian Mining Association Pay .... or bearer, the sum of THREE POUNDS on account of....', black on white. Centre fold, minor toning on bottom edge, gum staining on back, otherwise extremely fine and very rare.
Estimate $500
SOLD $540
Stockton Store, South Brisbane, Moreton Bay, unstated amount, promissory note or order, proof on paper, not dated (after 1842), (18- printed), with provision for number, with watermark ORIGINAL TURKISH KENT and vertical lines, vignette of Hocking's Wharf, South Brisbane and another of golden fleece (sheep), no imprint, stating on front 'To J Hocking Esq. Sydney, At sight pay the Bearer the sum of .......' black on white. Light fold on edge, three small stains on back, otherwise extremely fine, extremely rare and possibly unique.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $1,300
Temple Tavern, Adelaide, Twopence, currency note, August 10, 1852 (printed date), no. 267, on unwatermarked paper, signed by E. Solomon, stating on front 'I Promise to pay the bearer, on demand, the sum of TWOPENCE in cash here, Or, if required, any number of these Notes amounting to even Pounds, in Bank Notes of this Province', Dark blue on light blue, (A similar example sold Spink Noble Sale 36 lot 2686 and illustrated). Four major folds and several minor folds, some discolouration on back, otherwise good fine and very rare.
Estimate $4,000
SOLD $3,300
R.B. Colley, Adelaide, Two shillings and sixpence, currency note, November 3, 1852 (1852 printed), no. 502, on uncertain watermarked paper, signed by R.B.Colley, and on behalf of the Bank of South Australia D.Melville (?), stating on front 'Silver Notes, Issued upon Capital only, In consideration of TWO SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE paid me by ..... I Promise to pay Him or Bearer, on Demand, the sum of TWO SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE in Bank Notes of this Province, on presentation of any number of these Orders amounting to even Pounds, here; or to not less than Five Pounds at the Bank of South Australia.' A further endorsement follows from the bank and signed, black on white (Vort Ronald p.20, Fig. 24, illustrates a similar example). Some folds and creases, minor discolouration on front and back, otherwise good fine and extremely rare.
Estimate $3,500
SOLD $3,900
Peter Cumming & Sons, Adelaide, Ten shillings, currency note, proof on card, not dated, (185- printed), with provision for number, no watermark, vignette of Britannia looking over port scene, all within ornamental frame, printed by Allan & Ferguson, Glasgow, stating on front 'Ten Shillings. On presentation of our Orders to the value of twenty shillings, We, Peter Cumming & Sons, Promise to pay to the Bearer, One Pound Sterling, Adelaide, S.A.', black on white. Some minor discolouration on the back, otherwise extremely fine and extremely rare and possibly unique.
Estimate $2,000
SOLD $1,600
Scottish Australian Agency, one pound sterling order, not dated (c.1850's), printer's proof, on printed unwatermarked paper, no imprint, black on white, (cf.Butlin p.311-2 on Scottish Australian Investment Company). Some folds, otherwise very fine and extremely rare, being the second known specimen of this Agency.
Estimate $1,250
SOLD $1,400
Scottish Australian Agency, twenty shillings sterling order, not dated (c.1850's with printed date 185-), printer's proof, on printed unwatermarked paper, vignette of Queen Victoria as on shield sovereign, no imprint, black on white, (cf.Butlin p.311-2 on Scottish Australian Investment Company). Many folds, crease holes, otherwise nearly fine and extremely rare, being the second known specimen of this Agency.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $1,400
Dunsford & Co Geelong, issued for Buninyong, ten shillings currency note, proof on paper, not dated (185- printed), with provision for number, no watermark, vignette of Justice and goods of prosperity including a cornucopia, and with various ships to right in the background, imprint of H.C.Jervis Engraver & C, Pitt St. Sydney, stating on front 'At Sight Pay ...... or Bearer TEN SHILLINGS Value received To Messrs. Dunsford & Co, Geelong, all within rectangular framed border with BUNINYONG printed in top border, dark-brown on light blue (Spink Noble Sale 37, lot 2761 a similar note). Almost uncirculated, extremely rare and possibly the second known specimen.
Estimate $2,000
SOLD $0
Henry & John Cooke Melbourne, issued at Bendigo Diggings, promissory note or order, proof on paper, not dated (185- printed), with provision for number, watermarked HODGKINSON & CO, vignette of miners and arms, another of building, imprint of HAM Sc, stating on front 'At Sight Pay ...... To Messrs. Henry & John Cooke, Melbourne', in centre H & J COOKE in block, black on white. Light toning on two edges, otherwise good extremely fine and extremely rare.
Estimate $800
SOLD $0
Winchelsea Store, Stirling & Sons, Bunyip Hotel, Geelong, issued at Winchelsea, ten shillings, currency note, dated 1st Sept. 1856, (18- printed), number No.886, no watermark, wreathed value tablets in upper corners, imprint of De Gruchy & Leigh, Engrs. Geelong, stating on front 'We Promise to pay the Bearer TEN SHILLINGS Stg here or at Bunyip Hotel Geelong, for Stirling & Sons, JAS. STIRLING SENR. BUNYIP HOTEL', in centre block background TEN SHILLINGS, signed John Stirling (Manager), black on white. Folds, some gum residue on back, minor pinholes and toning areas, otherwise good fine, extremely rare and believed unique.
Estimate $2,500
SOLD $0
Bank of In Depend Ence (or Melbourne), Melbourne, one pound, currency note, February 1857, (date printed), numbered A125247, printed signature of Director, James W. Howarth (?) San Francisco, and hand signed by Agent, Elias L. Venuzuila (?), printed on unwatermarked paper, note described as 'BANK OF In Depend Ence MELBOURNE' at top, with imprint on centre of bottom, 'H. WATKINS, ENG. NEW YORK', with vignette of Chinese couple and store with various labels, ONE in oval tablet around legend 'The best price for returning gold diggers implements, General Stores for tents, picks and cradles', retangular tablet lower left stating below it 'JR Importer and Dealer in Revolvers, Guns, Tea, Sugar Etc.' on front of note, 'Promise to pay the Bearer on Demand the Sum of ONE POUND Sterling for value in Gold Dust, For the Melborne Bank', also with two large rectangular CANCELLED stamps, black on white. Missing corner replaced by hand drawn corner as added to the note, many folds and creases, with unobtrusive pinholes from folds, heavy aging tone, otherwise very good, extremely rare and probably unique.
Estimate $2,000
SOLD $1,600
Ormerod & Co, Robe Town, South Australia, Ten shillings, currency note, proof on paper, not dated, but numbered 5659, no watermark, vignette of Australian arms with port scene, all within rectangular spiral frame, printed by Ferguson & Mitchell, 41 Collins St, Melb, stating on front 'We Promise to pay the Bearer the sum of Ten Shillings Sterling on demand Value received.' and on back in black ink 'In draft fr. J.W.W. 21:6:90 (Robe Quicken Bay), Ormerod & Co', black on white. Minor paper folds, otherwise extremely fine and extremely rare if not unique as a proof.
Estimate $1,750
SOLD $1,900
Ormerod & Co, Robe Town, South Australia, Ten shillings, currency note, circulation note, ink traces discernable, but uncertain number, date and an uncertain signature, no watermark, vignette of Australian arms with port scene, all within rectangular spiral frame, printed by Ferguson & Mitchell, 41 Collins St, Melb, stating on front 'We Promise to pay the Bearer the sum of Ten Shillings Sterling on demand Value received.' black on white. Many paper folds, two corners missing one very severe, poor, and extremely rare.
Estimate $800
SOLD $750
Randell Scott, Lang's Crossing, Hay, Murrum Bidgee, issued at Hay, one pound, currency note, dated 18th April 1861, (18- printed), number No.36, no watermark, value tablets in upper corners, vignette of steam ship in centre, imprint of H. Berger Lit. lower left, stating on front 'We Promise to pay the Bearer on demand here, or in Adelaide, S. Australia, Twenty Shillings Sterling, value received', signed Randell Scott, black on white, (Spink Noble sale 36 lot 2722 similar item, and discussion Mira 'From Riverboat to Iron Horse', 1990, p.16). Note attached to cardboard, many folds and creases, close trimming on two edges, and small piece out of one side, otherwise very good and extremely rare.
Estimate $2,500
SOLD $0
William Nicholson & Co., Hopwood's Ferry, Murray River, Echuca, Victoria, proof, one pound, currency note, not dated, (186- printed), not numbered, no watermark, value tablet in block, large vignette on back from a woodcut by Calvert, of Hopwood's Ferry along side Hopwood's Pontoon Bridge, hotel in background with brothel next door, with imprint of Calvert on right, entered by ink signature J.W. Mann, stating on front 'William Nicholson & Co., 13, Flinders Street, Melbourne, Pay Change or Bearer One Pound', black on white, (Mira 'From Riverboat to Iron Horse' 1990 p.4 illustrated, Max Stern auction 25 Oct. 1977 lot 275, the other known specimen). A few folds and creases, otherwise nearly extremely fine, extremely rare, probably the second known specimen.
Estimate $1,500
SOLD $2,100
George Shenton, Perth, issued at Perth, one pound, currency note, dated 1st Aug. 1865, (18- printed), number No.271, no watermark, value tablets in upper corners, vignette of swan, no imprint, stating on front 'On Demand, I Promise to pay the Bearer One Pound Sterling, at Perth, Western Australia', signed G. Shenton (father), and entered by Charles Grunther, with two additional black ink oval stamps for, The National Bank of Australia, Perth W.A., green on yellow, (Vort-Ronald, [p.23], Fig.29 a similar note). A few folds and creases, some minor pin-holes, otherwise fine and extremely rare.
Estimate $2,500
SOLD $4,200
George Shenton, Perth, issued at Perth, one pound, currency note, dated 1st June 1866, (18- printed), number No.767, no watermark, value tablets in upper corners, vignette of swan, no imprint, stating on front 'On Demand, I Promise to pay the Bearer One Pound Sterling, at Perth, Western Australia', signed G. Shenton (father) and entered by Geo. Shenton Jnr. (son), with two additional black ink oval stamps for, The National Bank of Australia, Perth W.A., and another for Geraldtown, green on yellow, (Vort-Ronald, [p.23], Fig.29 a similar note). Folds and creases, otherwise very good and extremely rare.
Estimate $2,500
SOLD $4,600
George Shenton, Perth, issued at Perth, one pound, proof, currency note, not dated, (18- printed), not numbered, watermarked crowned arms on side in corner, value tablets in upper corners, vignette of swan, no imprint, stating on front 'On Demand, I Promise to pay the Bearer One Pound Sterling, at Perth, Western Australia', not signed, green on yellow/white, with large additional white margins on front. Uncirculated and rare.
Estimate $400
SOLD $300