Important Federation medal to be auctioned
Published February 5th, 2007
Presented to Sir Isaac Isaacs – the first Australian born Governor General
A rare and important Federation medal will be auctioned by Bonhams & Goodman at the March sales. The medal, presented to Sir Isaac Isaacs whilst he was Attorney General of Victoria, commemorates the opening of the first Federal Parliament.
The Federation of the colonies in 1901 to form the Commonwealth of Australia was an important and proud occasion. Many medals were produced to celebrate the event however this particular medal is very rare indeed. Made by Stokes & Son of Melbourne, the medal is 15 carat gold. The bar attached to the medal is inscribed ‘Hon I A Isaacs MLA’. No replica has been unearthed through our research to date.
A well known advocate for Federation, Sir Isaac Alfred Isaacs (1855-1948), judge and politician was Governor General of Victoria from 1931 – 1936. His appointment to Governor General was a controversial decision – it is said that King George V was against the appointment but eventually succumbed under pressure from the Australian Prime Minister at the time James Henry Scullin.
For enquiries relating to the Federation Medal, please contact Giles Moon, Head of Collectables on + 61 (0)3 9823 6270 or email giles.moon@bonhams.com
