Catalogue
Melbourne Exhibition, Victoria, 1854, in bronze (38mm) design by W.Brown, dies by W.Barclay struck by Reginald Scaife (C.1854/3). Note a substantially different obverse die has been used (orientation of top flag). Good extremely fine and extremely rare in bronze
Estimate $400
SOLD $1,300
Melbourne Exhibition, 1854, in tin (38mm), design W.Brown, dies by W.Barclay, struck by Reginald Scaife from Ovens River tin (C.1854/3). Extremely fine.
Estimate $120
SOLD $220
Melbourne Exhibition, Victoria, 1854, in tin (38mm) design by W.Brown, dies by W.Barclay, struck by Reginald Scaife from Ovens River Tin (C.1854/3). Uncirculated.
Estimate $200
SOLD $180
Taylor, W.J., Melbourne halfpenny, undated, United States mule (A.575). Minor contact marks otherwise proof-like good extremely fine and rare.
Estimate $3,000
SOLD $3,600
Products of New South Wales, Sydney, 1854-55, Exhibition medal in silver (73mm) by L.C.Wyon. In case of issue. Edge bruise on obverse rim at 3 o'clock, lightly polished, extremely fine and very rare.
Estimate $4,000
SOLD $4,100
Products of New South Wales, Sydney, 1854, Exhibition medal in bronze (73mm) by L.C.Wyon. Good extremely fine.
Estimate $1,500
SOLD $1,550
Products of New South Wales, Sydney, 1854, Exhibition medal in white metal (73mm) by L.C.Wyon. This is the only recorded example in white metal and therefore unique in this metal. Extremely fine and very rare.
Estimate $1,500
SOLD $1,500
Russia, Imperial Court Presentation Jewel (48.43mm x 63.45mm) with brooch mount, comprising a central amethyst surrounded by a cluster of diamonds, within a gold oval ring with green enamelled facings top and at both sides, a double headed Imperial eagle holding sceptre and orb in gold at base. In red case of issue with silver plaque affixed to lid inscribed `Presented by / His Imperial Majesty / the Emperor of all the / Russias / To / D.J.Williams, Esq M.D. / Surgeon to H.I.M.Yacht / `Queen Victoria'. A highly important piece presented by Czar Nicholas I of Russia to Dr D.J.Williams of Eureka fame. Extremely fine and extremely rare.
Estimate $50,000
SOLD $51,000
Sydney Branch of the Royal Mint, established 1855, Queen Victoria Medal, in gold (41mm, 62gms) by L.C.Wyon (C.V/7). Obverse with contact marks and edge bruise at 10 o'clock, otherwise good very fine and extremely rare.
Estimate $5,000
SOLD $5,000
Sydney Branch of the Royal Mint, established 1855, Queen Victoria Medal, in silver (41mm) by L.C.Wyon (C.V/7). Nearly extremely fine.
Estimate $1,500
SOLD $1,500
Sydney Branch of the Royal Mint, established 1855, Queen Victoria Medal, in bronze (41mm) by L.C.Wyon (C.V/7). FDC.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $1,400
Queen Victoria, c1880, uniface medal in silver (45mm) by L.C.Wyon. Same obverse portrait punch as Sydney Mint medal (C.V/7). Extremely fine.
Estimate $450
SOLD $500
Presentation trowel, in silver with black handle, (length 345mm), engraved on face of blade 'Presented / together with a / Purse of Gold / to / Mr Edward Shield / by a few friends / on his leaving / Cromlington Colliery / Northumberland / For / Hobart Town, Tasmania / Oct 2nd 1856'. Very fine.
Estimate $300
SOLD $1,500
Geelong and Western District Agricultural Horticultural Society, 1856, in silver (33mm) by W.H.Marriott, inscribed on reverse 'March 1856 / 1st Prize / to / J.Martyr Esqr. / for / Baking Apples'. Good very fine and extremely rare, the finest known.
Estimate $1,250
SOLD $1,350
Geelong and Western District Agricultural and Horticultural Society, 1857, in silver (35mm) by Pinches, London, inscribed on reverse '1st / Prize / for / Mr W.W.Miles / for Peas / Septr 1857'. Good extremely fine.
Estimate $400
SOLD $600
Geelong and Western District Agricultural and Horticultural Society, 1857, in silver (35mm) by Pinches, London, inscribed on reverse '2nd / Prize / C.N.Thorne Esq. / for Gladiolas / Sepytr 1857'. Good extremely fine.
Estimate $400
SOLD $500
Coppin's Balloon medal, 1858, in white metal (38mm) (C.1858/1). Good fine and extremely rare, one of possibly four known.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $1,800
Victoria Industrial Society, in silver, set in heavy cast wreath surround (31/52mm), inscribed on reverse 'Awarded / to / J.S.Mackennal / for origin of / Corinthian / Capital / February / 1858'. Good extremely fine.
Estimate $600
SOLD $750
Port Phillip Farmers Society, 1858, in silver (51mm) by Arnoldi, inscribed on reverse 'Four Horse Waggon / First Prize / Awarded to / Mr Joseph Nicholson / Annual Exhibition / 1858'. Extremely fine.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $1,000
Victoria Agricultural Society, 1858, three handcrafted medals in silver (56mm), double convex discs in a decorative ring frame with swivel ring suspension, engraved on obverse, fantasy Australian Coat of Arms between a cast beehive and wheat sheaf, below, an engraved plough over 'Speed The Plough', first medal inscribed on reverse 'Extra prize / Victoria Agricultural Society' and 'Oats / Awarded to / Jas.Bryden / April 21st / 1858' within handworked wreath; the second medal inscribed on reverse 'First Prize / Victoria Agricultural Society' and 'Early Potatoes / Awarded to / Robt.Laidlaw / April 21st / 1858'; the third medal inscribed on reverse 'First Prize / Victoria Agricultural Society' and 'Cape / Barley / Awarded to / Mr Bostock / April 21st / 1858'. One other example of this medal type, dated 1862, is known to exist, in a private collection. Good very fine and extremely rare. (3)
Estimate $10,000
SOLD $10,000
Victoria Agricultural Society, 1858, handcrafted uniface medal in silver (38mm), engraved on obverse 'Extra Prize / Victoria Agricultural Society' and 'Black / Millet / Awarded to / Mr R.W.Appleton / April 21st / 1858' within handworked wreath. Good very fine.
Estimate $750
SOLD $700
Cigar case, in sterling silver, hallmarked Birmingham, 1855/56, maker A.T., engraved on case 'From / Hugh Glass Esq / to / Saml. H. Bindon / in / remembrance / of / Professional exertions / Melbourne / 1858'. Good very fine.
Estimate $750
SOLD $3,600
The wreck of the Steamship 'Admella', 1859, in silver (51mm) by DeGruchy and Leigh (Sydney), De G & L on truncation to ground, obverse, a scene of the wreck with 'Hope to last' on a ribbon, divided by an anchor, legend around rim 'The Admella Steamer wrecked on her passage from Adelaide to Melbourne off Cape Northumberland (6 Aug,1859)', reverse, a corded border outside a wreath enclosing, at top of the All-seeing eye, legend in field 'Awarded to 'John F.Johnstone' by the Victoria Colonists for Heroic Exertion in Saving Life (under Divine Providence) from the wreck of the Admella'. Good very fine and extremely rare, a classic Australian medal.
Estimate $10,000
SOLD $15,000
Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea (VR), in bronze (48mm) inscribed around edge 'Chas. Patterson Wreck of 'Admella' near Cape Northumberland Aug 6th 1859'. An extremely rare award to a member of the Portland Lifeboat crew for one of the most famous rescue missions attempted on the Australian coast in the 19th century, in one of the country's greatest maritime tragedies. Very fine.
Estimate $3,500
SOLD $4,900
Ballaarat West Fire Brigade, 1859, handcrafted medal in silver (36mm), silver disc within a heavy ring with beaded inner border, decorative suspension and brooch bars, crimson ribbon, engraved in centre of obverse, symbols of firefighting equipment including hose, helmet, ladder, lantern, grapnel, hammer, 'Ready Aye Ready' below, and 'Ballaarat West Fire Brigade / Established 1859' around, and on reverse 'Presented / by / Matthew Campbell Esq. / Capt of the Brigade / to / James Allan / for his / Expertness as a / Volunteer Fireman'. Good very fine and very rare in this style and period.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $1,800
Port Phillip Farmers Society, 1860, in silver gilt (51mm) obverse by Arnoldi, inscribed on reverse 'Sewing Machine / 1st Prize / Awarded to / Mr Walter Brown / Annual Exhibition 1860'. Only example recorded in silver gilt, with a very thick flan. Edge knocks and contact marks in obverse field, otherwise very fine.
Estimate $750
SOLD $1,250
Port Phillip Farmers Society, 1860, in silver (38mm) obverse by Arnoldi, inscribed on reverse 'Common Rabbits / 1st Prize / awarded to / Master Denys Walton / Annual Exhibition 1860'. Good very fine.
Estimate $500
SOLD $650
Ballarat Agricultural Society Exhibition, 1860, handcrafted medal in gold (14.3gms, 38mm), a plain gold disc, engraved on obverse 'Ballarat Agricultural Society, Exhibition Oct 1860', and on reverse Colonial Draught Entire Horse / 2nd Prize / Awarded to / Mr Thos.Bath'. Nearly extremely fine and very rare.
Estimate $1,250
SOLD $1,900
Belle Vue Academy, 1860, handcrafted uniface medal in silver (55mm), silver disc within a frame of embossed grapevine motifs with engraved scroll bar, inscribed on obverse 'Belle Vue Academy / 1860 / Presented to / Alfred Blannin / for General Scholarship'. Extremely fine.
Estimate $300
SOLD $750
Highland Society, Buninyong, 1860, handcrafted medal in silver (58mm), silver disc enclosed in a thin beaded ring frame with loop mount and ornamental brooch bar, obverse, central cast figure of a highlander in high relief with sword and shield, engraved around 'Highland Society Instituted 1857 / Lamh Na / Ceartais', engraved on reverse 'Buninyong / 1st Prize / Strathspeys & Reels / Dancing / Archibald Lamond / Decr.26th 1860'. Extremely fine.
Estimate $2,000
SOLD $2,900