Curiosities

George Bass – Discovery of the Bass Strait – Commemorative Medal – 1968

George Bass, Surgeon and Explorer carried out two voyages to confirm the Bass Strait and the separation of Tasmania (then Van Diemen’s Land) from mainland Australia – known affectionately in Tasmania as “The Other Island”.

First, in 1797 he set off in an open whaleboat with a crew of six. They sailed to Cape Howe at the farthest point of South-east Australia and, from there sailed west along the Gippsland coast to Western Point, at the entrance to Port Phillip. Observations of the rapid tide and long south-western swell supported his view that a large Strait lay in front of him.

In 1798 he set out again, with Matthew Flinders in the sloop Norfolk and circumnavigated Van Diemen’s Land. They visited the Derwent River which had previously been named by Captain John Hayes. On return to Sydney, Flinders promoted the naming of the Strait after Bass … the then Governor, John Hunter agreed.

Bass’s later life was adventurous and possibly … likely … tragic, making the date of his death noted on the medal questionable.

The medal was struck in 1968. It was produced by K.G. Luke & Sons, Melbourne for the Numismatic Association of Victoria. 160 examples were produced in this bronze form and a similar number in silver. 50mm in diameter with a high relief bust of Bass facing right, carrying his spyglass. On the reverse a delightful image of the whaleboat, the sloop Norfolk and the chart and route of the vessels, appropriately dated. Comes with its original blue case.

Unusual medal to celebrate the achievements of George Bass

$160.00

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Arthur Phillip – First Governor of New South Wales – Early Mezzotint c1790′s

A well-executed copper engraving using the mezzotint technique, of First Governor Arthur Phillip from the original German publication of his First Fleet Journal.

Arthur Phillip (1738-1814) was appointed Governor designate of the new Colony to be formed in New South wales. His First Fleet arrived in January 1788 and he selected Port Jackson as the first settlement having decided Botany Bay was unsuitable. He returned to England in 1792 an was succeeded by John Hunter.

Dimensions 20cm by 12cm with a strong plate impression an clear bold printing. Framed would make a nice library item for a First Fleet follower.

Price $75.00 unframed.

Nice historic image of Arthur Phillip.

$75.00

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Ursula Andress & Sean Connery in Bond Movie Dr No Large promotional photograph signed by Ursula

Large colour promotional photograph signed boldly by Ursula Andress. 25cm by 20cm, no creases, excellent condition.

Dr No the very first Bond Movie. Made in Jamaica, in 1962 and, financially successful making its money back more than sixty times.

Introduced Swiss actress Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder. Her entrance onto the beach is remembered more for the white bikini than the song she was singing “Under the Mango Tree”. She happily admitted it was that bikini that made her career.

Bond and Honey Ryder on the Beach with the Shells

$190.00

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The Discovery of Norfolk Island – James Cook – 1774 Anniversary Medal 1974

A fine medal numbered 30 of an issue of only 355, on the rim.

On his second voyage to the Pacific, James Cook discovered Norfolk Island on the 10th October 1774. He named it after the Duchess of Norfolk, wife of Edward Howard the 6th Earl.

High relief medal in oxidised silver, 57mm diameter, 88gm weight.

Fine portrait of James Cook with 200th Anniversary 1774-1974 around. On the reverse a map of the island with higher regions marked in relief and a huge Norfolk Pine, one of the great attractions of the island, for ships masts. Cook’s landing point, on the north shore, is marked as is the line of latitude 29 degree south. Also a fine image of Cook’s vessel HMS Resolution. Narrative details of the discovery complete the surround.

Scarce medal for the James Cook collector, strong relief

$280.00

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19thC Magic Lantern Slide – John Browning’s Spectroscope.

A quite striking wooden framed magic lantern slide, hand coloured, of a complex spectroscope by leading maker John Browning of London. The model depicted named (and labelled Gassiot’s Spectroscope).

The model was made to order, designed for Physicists. The first design went to John Peter Gassiot a prominent Fellow of the Royal society. Refer John Browning’s book “How to Work with the Spectroscope” 1878, page 57.

Likely, manufactured by the McIntosh Battery & Optical Company Chicago circa 1890. The company was formed in 1879 and in the 1890’s changed its name to the McIntosh Electrical Co to concentrate in radio devices. No makers mark, but this is their style, quality and the subject label consistent with theirs.

The wooden slide is 28cm by 10cm with the circular hand coloured slide 8 cm in diameter. The condition of the colouring and slide generally is excellent.

Rare Scientific Instrument Slide by Leading Maker

$120.00

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Brisbane Centenary Medal – Discovery by John Oxley 1823 -1923

John Oxley (1784-1828)officially discovered the Brisbane River naming it after the then Governor of New South Wales in 1823. He had some assistance from three shipwrecked sailors, Parson, Finnegan and Pamphlett who had been taken in by a local aboriginal group. Oxley was looking for new locations for convict sites and recommended Moreton Bay on his return. In 1824 he returned and discovered the Bremer River a major tributary.

The medal 3cm in diameter of light white metal shows the Brisbane Shield with its connection to the land and sea … Brisbane Centenary 1823 and 1923. On the obverse boldly “To Commemorate the Discovery of the Brisbane River by Lieut Oxley in 1823”.

Accompanied by a card tag with a typical profile image of Oxley related to celebrations carried out the following year. Amazing that this has survived.

The Discovery of Brisbane Celebrated nearly another hundred up!

$90.00

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George Bass – Discovery of the Bass Strait – Commemorative Medal – 1968

Arthur Phillip – First Governor of New South Wales – Early Mezzotint c1790′s

Ursula Andress & Sean Connery in Bond Movie Dr No Large promotional photograph signed by Ursula

The Discovery of Norfolk Island – James Cook – 1774 Anniversary Medal 1974

19thC Magic Lantern Slide – John Browning’s Spectroscope.

Brisbane Centenary Medal – Discovery by John Oxley 1823 -1923

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