Summary

Unissued proof-like striking of St Arnaud Pastoral and Agricultural Society silver prize medal from the National Gallery of Victoria reference collection. The medal dates to around 1880. The St Arnaud Pastoral and Agricultural Society was formed in 1872, one of many agricultural societies that worked to improve farming practices and provide support to farmers during the nineteenth century. Their activities typically included annual shows at which prizes were awarded for produce and handcrafts, and ploughing matches. Displays of implements and new farm machinery were always of great interest. The first show of the St Arnaud Pastoral and Agricultural Society was held on 15 August 1872. In spite of wet weather, about 2,000 people attended.
Mint: Stokes & Martin.

Physical Description

A silver prize medal (38 mm diameter) featuring a rural scene with cows, horse and sheep, a farm house is depicted in the backbround together with details of the maker and the issuing Society with space to engrave details of the winner.

Obverse Description

Around on broad rim ST. ARNAUD PASTORAL & AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY * at centre, AWARDED TO

Reverse Description

Pastoral scene with cows, horse and sheep, a farm house is depicted in the backbround; in exergue, STOKES & MARTIN / MELBOURNE

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

The St Arnaud Pastoral and Agricultural Society was formed in 1872, one of many agricultural societies that worked to improve farming practices and provide support to farmers during the nineteenth century. Their activities typically included annual shows at which prizes were awarded for produce and handcrafts, and ploughing matches. Displays of implements and new farm machinery were always of great interest. The first show of the St Arnaud Pastoral and Agricultural Society was held on 15 August 1872. In spite of wet weather, about 2,000 people attended. -Palmer, Yvonne S., 1955. Track of the Years: the Story of St Arnaud. -D. Tout-Smith 11/2/2004.

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