Medals

Bass and Flinders – Circumnavigation of Tasmania – 200th Anniversary Medal

Together Matthew Flinders and George Bass were the first to circumnavigate Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), in HM Sloop Norfolk, in 1788/89.

This large fine limited run medal was produced in Tasmania to celebrate the 200th anniversary i.e. 1998/99.

Only 120 were produced in this form, this being number 53, marked to the rim. Cast in white metal, 800 mm diameter, 115gms weight. Strong deep profile, fine condition.

Carries the bust of both Flinders an Bass either side of the sloop’s mast, with descriptive text. On the reverse a map of Van Diemen’s Land with the route taken marked and a fine and substantial depiction of the vessel fully rigged.

Limited numbered run of important maritime celebration.

$150.00

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James Cook Bicentennial Medal (1970) by Andor Meszaros

A striking medal issues by the National Trust of Australia in 1970 to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of James Cook’s discovery of the east coast of mainland Australia.

Copper bronze 50mm in diameter, weigh 60gm (160gm cased). Heavy relief portrait of Cook dominates the right hand edge of the medal with the Endeavour helmsman covering the whole of the background … the impression is of is singularly focused observation of the fits sighting .. which would have been at Point Hicks. The narrative James Cook 1770-1970 to the left and below that the signature of the medallist Andor Meszaros. On the reverse the National Trust emblem. A fine example still housed in its original felt lined case all in fine condition. 3,000 medals were cast so it is not uncommon but how many still have their original case and remain unmarked.

Hungarian born Andor Meszaros (1900-1972) perhaps Australia’s greatest medallist. He was a natural sculptor and held high positions in the art in Australia and, recognised by his peers internationally. His name was made as a medallist when he designed the Melbourne Olympic Games Medals in 1956 … he also designed the Australian Vietnam War Medal in 1968.

James Cook honoured at 200 years by distinguished medallist Meszaros

$120.00

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Medal in Celebration of the Discovery of the Johnstone River, Queensland in 1873.

Produced in 1973 the celebrate the 100 year anniversary of George Elphinstone Dalrymple’s Discovery.

Cast in coppered bronze by K G Luke. 50 mm in diameter, weighing 48 gm, very good condition.

Nice design of the North and South Johnson combining and meandering down to the Pacific Ocean through heavily wooded hilly terrain. A very clear horizon, and in the sky above the explorers full name and commemorative dates the full commemorative details in a border around the edge. On the reverse a Floral and scroll design, presumably to take the engraved name of any recipient – here still blank.

The designer is associated with Sir Kenneth George Lake (1896-1971) who had a very successful business making all things requiring metal design … he was also an important identity in sports administration in Australian particularly the AFL.

George Elphinstone Dalrymple was a legendary explorer, pioneer and pastoralist in northern Queensland. See Robert Logan Jack’s Northmost Australia for a good account of his efforts. He named the Johnstone River in 1873 in honour of Robert Johnstone of the Native Police who had carried out his handy work in the region. Unusually, the river had already been named by Captain Moresby a year or two earlier … his name the Gladys did not stick, thankfully. The Johnstone is a spectacular part of Australia .. the rivers are subject to exceedingly high rainfall and make for the very best of white water rafting. The confluence of the North and South is about five km west of the town of Innisafail. If you go there … watch out for salty crocodiles.

Very good uncirculated condition, strong relief.

Celebrating Northern Queensland Exploration

SO SORRY SOLD

$90.00

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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!

$70.00

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Brisbane City Medal Celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee 1897

Minted by Stokes and Sons, 31 mm diameter circa 14 gms weight. Reference authority Carlisle 1897/43

Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee was celebrated with enthusiasm around the Commonwealth. This medal was issued by the Municipality of Brisbane to celebrate the event.

On the obverse we have Jugate busts of a young and older Queen Victoria, around Queen Victoria’s 60th Year of Reign *1837 to 1897* … mint name Stokes & Sons in tiny letter on the rim below the date.

The reverse has at its centre within a wide rim the Shield of the Municipality, quartered with top left … horses, sheep and bull; top right … farmer with plough, wheat sheaf and spade; bottom left early steam-ship and lighthouse; bottom right … sailing ship at Brisbane Port loading produce including bale of wool and barrels. Around the rim *Municipality of Brisbane* Incorporated 1859.

Posted will be reduced to cost on this light item.

Collectable Victoriana Unique to Brisbane.

$60.00

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Bass and Flinders – Circumnavigation of Tasmania – 200th Anniversary Medal

James Cook Bicentennial Medal (1970) by Andor Meszaros

Medal in Celebration of the Discovery of the Johnstone River, Queensland in 1873.

Brisbane Centenary Medal – Discovery by John Oxley 1823 -1923

Brisbane City Medal Celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee 1897

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