Summary

Unissued bronzed proof-like strike of the Villiers and Heytesbury Agricultural Association prize medal, 1877.
This medal was prepared for the Annual Show in 1877 but details of an award have not been entered on the obverse. Reverse die cut by Julius Hogarth. The Association was established by at least 1859, and serviced a wide region bounded by the coastline west of Melbourne, extending from Cape Otway almost as far as Portland. Like contemporary agricultural societies, it would have provided support to rural communities, encouraged the improvement of agricultural practices, held annual shows and competitions and exposed farmers to new technologies.
Mint: Stokes & Martin, Melbourne.

Physical Description

Features a horse, bull, sheep, wheat-sheaf, plough scarifier and scythe. The lettering on the obverse is in an unusual script with the letter 'e' looking much like a 'r'. The edge is stamped with details of the Show for which this piece was prepared.

Obverse Description

The lettering on the obverse is in an unusual script with the letter 'e' looking much like a 'r'. Around rim, Villiers & Heytesbury Agricultural Association +

Reverse Description

At centre, a horse, bull, sheep, wheat-sheaf, plough scarifier and scythe; in exergue, STOKES & MARTIN MELBOURNE The artist's initials IH are hidden below the bull's hind leg.

Edge Description

Stamped: ANNUAL SHOW WARRNAMBOOL. 10 OCT. 1877

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