Summary
Sterling silver cigar case made by Alfred Taylor, hallmarked Birmingham, 1855-56.
It was presented by a wealthy Australian speculator, squatter and merchant Hugh Glass (1817-1871) to Samuel Henry Bindon (1812-1879), a prominent Victorian politician, 'in remembrance of Professional exertions, Melbourne, 1858'.
Physical Description
Flattened rectangular, sterling silver case, with hinged lid. Lined with brown leather. Engraved all over with intricate leaf and flower motif. Central panel on obverse engraved with inscription. Hallmarked on reverse across lid and case.
Significance
Hugh Glass was a wealthy squatter who had arrived in the colony in 1840. By 1860 he was reputed to be the richest man in the colony. Samuel Bindon was a lawyer, politician, leading proponent of technical education, and the founding chairman of the trustees of the Industrial & Technological Museum. It is not entirely clear what services Bindon may have provided Glass, who had a reputation for using his wealth to influence political decisions. Further research should reveal a rich story. Both men were successful Irish immigrants to the colony.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase
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Maker
Mr Alfred Taylor - Silversmith, Birmingham, England, Great Britain, 1855-1856
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Hallmarked
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Awarded By
Hugh Glass - Speculator, Squatter & Merchant, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1858
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Awarded To
Honourable Samuel H. Bindon, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1858
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Inscriptions
Engraved on obverse: From/ HUGH GLASS ESQRE./ to/ Saml. H. Bindon/ in/ remembrance/ of/ Professional exertions/ Melbourne/ 1858. Hallmarked on reverse. Stamped with maker's mark: A.T
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Object Measurements
120 mm (Length), 55 mm (Width), 16 mm (Height)
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Dimensions
175 (Depth)
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Keywords
Civic Mementoes, Medal Presentations, Political Identity, Public Ceremonies
