The Australian Military Forces buttons were worn by Australian troops in World Wars One and Two. The Australian Commonwealth buttons date from the Edwardian era (1901-1910)These buttons are examples of the buttons used by the Australian Army. The attachment to a card is also an interesting example of the way members of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society mounted and displayed collection items in the 1960's and 1970's.Seven brass circular military buttons pressed into a rectangular piece of cardboard with pasted on lined paper on the back of the cardboard. Three of the buttons feature a raised map of Australia, a crown and text. Five buttons feature a raised intertwined E R,V11, a crown and text Protruding through the paper at the back is a section of a ring. The cardboard side has hand drawn blue lines, an oval stamp with text and hand written text. Three buttons have AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES. Five buttons have AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH FORCES Military medallion buttons ( hand written) Stamp is oval shaped with faded text of which only HISTORICAL DISTRICT and SOCIETY can be deciphered Three blue hand drawn lines to position the buttons. army, australian military forces, buttons, world war two, world war one

No information is known about Mrs Mc Lean or her father. These buttons appear to come from a British Navy uniform and may date back to the 19th century as British Navy buttons today have a crown on top of the anchor. . These buttons have local provenance but the details are unknown. They are very good examples of early British naval Buttons so have considerable significance. the 1970's mounting of these buttons has been retained for historical reasonsSix brass concave circular buttons and two smaller identical buttons secured through a crudely cut rectangular piece of cardboard. The buttons feature a raised anchor and rope. The back of the cardboard has blue lined paper adhered to it. Through the paper are pieces of brass rings. Naval buttons given by Mrs McLean of he father's Uniform

These badges were produced in World War One in Australia to raise funds for the war effort. ANZAC Day is an important national holiday in Australia commemorating the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops on Gallipoli on 25th April 1915. The national day was instituted on 25th April 1916 and badges such as these would have been sold on the anniversary of the landing day. Badges were sold on trams, buses, at railway stations, other public buildings and at rallies held on or about ANZAC Day. These badges are a significant reminder of the many fund raising activities held in Australia to raise funds for the war effort.Three circular slightly concave metal badges featuring the profile of an Australian soldier in a slouch hat blowing a bugle. The background depicts sunrise in yellow and orange colours and text. The outer edge is gold coloured . The reverse has a metal clip.ANZAC DAYanzac day, badges

This medal was made by W.J.Amor Mint, a medal making company from New South Wales. It was made to commemorate both the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Canberra in 1963 and the Royal Visit of 1963. Because of the rivalry between the two major Australian cities, Melbourne and Sydney, it was decided to establish a new capital city somewhere between the two cities. The Australian capital Territory was established in 1913 and the American architect, Walter Burley Griffin, in association with his wife, Marion Mahony Griffin, was chosen to design the new city of Canberra. The first Parliament House was opened in 1927 and Melbourne ceased to be the location of the Federal Parliament meetings.This medal is of interest, mainly because it commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first Parliament House in Canberra and the establishment of Canberra as Australia's capital city.Circular brass medal with ring attached at the top and a split ring through the ring. The obverse features a raised profile of Queen Elizabeth 11 wearing a crown and text. The reverse depicts old Parliament House, decorative leaves and text.THE ROYAL VISIT OF HM. QUEEN ELIZABETH 11. 1963. JUBILEE OF CANBERRA 1913-1963 AUSTRALIA 1788-1963 australian capital territory, canberra australia, walter burley griffin, queen elizabeth 11

TOC H was founded as a Christian organisation during the First World War in Belgium in 1915. Talbot House was a venue for respite from the war for soldiers and civilians. During the 1920s TOC H spread around the world especially to Commonwealth countries. In 1923 the Governor General of Australia wrote to The Reverend "Tubby" Clayton indicating that he and Lady Forster wished to endow a TOC H lamp, the symbol of TOC H in memory of their two sons who were killed in the war. The lamp symbol is a replica of the lamp used to provide light to early Christians who sought refuge in the catacombs of Rome. The cross of Lorraine is an indicator of its origins in the Ypres salient.The lamp is a symbol of an ongoing commitment of TOC H to spread light wherever it may be required. These badges are maintained as mementos of the Warrnambool branch of TOC H which operated from a sandstone building in Koroit Street Warrnambool. It was active during the middle decades of the 20th Century .1 Octagonal metal and enamel badge featuring a gold coloured oil lamp and cross on a green luminous background with rays emanating from the lamp. The badge has a gold edging. The reverse has a pin clip and text .2 and .3 Octagonal metal and enamel lapel badge featuring a gold coloured oil lamp and cross on a royal blue background. The badge has a gold edging. The reverse has a horseshoe shaped device to allow the badge to be secured in the buttonhole of a jacket. .1Indecipherable .2 Stokes and Sons Melbourne .3 2849toc h, tubby clayton, lord forster

This is a British coin to the value of 25 newpence. It is a commemorative coin to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's ascension to the throne of England.This coin has no local provenance but is of interest as a British commemorative coin of 1977.Circular silver coin with a reeded edge The obverse depicts a raised profile figure of Queen Elizabeth 11 mounted side saddle on a horse and text. (It is reminiscent of the Queen at the Trooping of the Colour.) The reverse features a crown , an eagle with outstretched wings on a dais, decorative leaves and berries. QUEEN ELIZABETH. 11 DG REG FD . 1977queen elizabeth 11

This coin was in use in Victoria during the gold rush in the 1850s It was replaced by a smaller British coin in the 1860s.This coin is maintained as an example of British coins used in Victoria in the 19th century Circular copper penny The obverse features a profile of Queen Victoria and text. The reverse features Britannia and text. Obverse REG D E I GRAT other text indecipherable due to wear.. Reverse BRITANNIAR other indecipherable due to wear 1854queen victoria, britannia, coins, 1854

These three badges all bear the phrase " For Our Fighting Men" and were sold to raise funds for Australian servicemen's comforts in World War One. The funds would have been used to send food and amenities parcels to those serving overseas, to provide assistance to those soldiers who had returned to Australia or were serving within Australia. The funds from the sale of these badges were directed to the Australian Comforts Fund which was an organisation formed in August 1916 from the amalgamation of the State groups formed to provide assistance to those serving in World War One. These badges are of interest as examples of those made and sold in Australia during World War One to provide comforts for Australian servicemen..1 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features the Australian flag on a red background surrounded by a white annulus and a pale blue ring with text. There are rust marks on the surface.The reverse has a pin clip. .2 Identical to .1 but very discoloured and faded. .3 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features a the head and shoulders of an Australian soldier in uniform with a slouch hat and a gun with bayonet fixed against a background of the Australian flag. Inside the outer rim of pale gold is a white ring with red text. There is a pin clip on the reverse. .1 FOR OUR FIGHTING MEN .2 Identical to .1 .3 OUR FIGHTING MEN AUSTRALIAN.COMFORTS. FUNDaustralian comforts fund

The badge predates 1917 and was a fund raiser in Australia for the war effort. It is one of the many badges produced during World War One.This badge is retained as an example of badges made for gaining funds for the War effort during World War One.Circular painted, slightly concave, metal badge. The front features a cream map of Australia on a blue background. Inside the map is an image of six flags Belgium. France, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia and Italy and red text in a small scroll. Underneath the map is further text. There is a pin clip on the reverse.ALLIES FOR FREEDOM AND LIFEallies, world war one, war effort fundraising

This badge has been produced to raise funds for the Australian navy personnel during World War One is believed to have been sold during 1917.There were many badges produced during World War One to raise funds for Australian servicemen serving at home and overseas. This badge is of interest as one of the many badges produced during World War One to assist the war effort in Australia. Circular metal badge featuring a white ensign with the Australian flag on a blue back ground. The white annulus has text and a small representation of rope at the bottom edge. The reverse has a pin clip.OUR SAILORS DAY sailors

This was one of the many badges issued to celebrate the Federation of Australia. The colonies of Australia were federated into the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901 The first parliament was held in Melbourne in May, 1901. In the newly established capital of Australia, Canberra, the federal parliament sat in 1927. This of minor interest as a memento of the centenary of Australian Federation.This is a gold coloured metal stylised map of Australia and a star . The perimeter of the map is raised and links to the star. The reverse has a lapel badge mechanism. It is attached to a piece of white card with text. Federation Badge 2001federation of australia

The pennies and half pennies were Australian currency minted prior to the introduction of decimal currency in Australia on 14th February, 1966. The one cent coins post dated the introduction of decimal currency.These coins are retained as examples of pre decimal currency in Australia. It is interesting to note that dating from 1951 to 1983 three monarchs are featured on the obverse.: King George V, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth 11..The one cent coins are retained as they are no longer in useSeven copper pennies : .1 Obverse profile of King George V1 and text around the perimeter. Small green stain. Reverse profile of a kangaroo, a star and text . Smooth edge ..2 Identical to .1 excepting stain .3 Identical to .2 .4 Obverse profile of Queen Elizabeth 11. and text. Reverse -Profile of a kangaroo, a star and text . .5 Identical to .4 .6 Identical to .4. .7Identical to .4 Five copper half pennies: .8 Obverse Profile of King George V and text around the perimeter. Smooth edge.The coin has a small chip on one edge. Reverse A circle containing text and an outer ring containing text . .9 Identical to .8 .10 Obverse Profile of King George VI and text Reverse Profile of kangaroo,star and text .11 Obverse Profile of Queen Elizabeth 11 Reverse Profile of kangaroo, star and text .12 Obverse identical to .11 Reverse Identical to .11 .13 Obverse identical to .11 Reverse identical to .11 Two copper one cent pieces: .14 Obverse Profile of Queen Elizabeth 11 and text .15 Obverse identical to .14 . .1Obverse GEORGIUS VI D;G;BR OMN; REX FIDEI; DEF. Reverse AUSTRALIA 1951.PENNY .2 Identical to .1 .3 Obverse identical to .1 .2 Reverse AUSTRALIA 1952 PENNY .4 Obverse ELIZABETH.11.DEI.GRATIA.REGINA.F;D;+ Reverse AUSTRALIA 1955 PENNY .5 Obverse identical to .4 Reverse AUSTRALIA 1958 PENNY .6 Identical to .5 .7 Obverse identical to .4 Reverse AUSTRALIA 1962 PENNY .8 Obverse GEORGIUS V D G BRITT OMN: REX; D; IND IMP Reverse ONE HALF PENNY .COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA The date is obscured by the chip. .9 Obverse identical to .8 Reverse Identical to .8 but the date is 1929 .10 Obverse GEORGIU VI D; G; BR;OMN REX;F;D;IND;IMP Reverse AUSTRALIA HALF PENNY 1948 .11 Obverse ELIZABETH .11. DEI. GRATIA. REGINA + Reverse AUSTRALIA HALF PENNY 1955 .12 Obverse identical to .11 Reverse AUSTRALIA HALF PENNY 1955 .13 Obverse identical to .11 Reverse AUSTRALIA HALF PENNY 1959 .14 Obverse ELIZABETH 11 AUSTRALIA 1985 Reverse Feathered Tail Glider and herbage ,1 .15 Obverse identical to .14 date 1983 Reverse Identical to .14penny, half penny

This badge is a State of Victoria Girl guides badge. It was designed in 1926, was drawn by Dorothea Holtz. and came into use in 1927 The same badge is still in use today. It is likely that this badge belonged to a local district guide leader.WE have as yet been unable to confirm local provenance of this item but it has social and historic significance belonging to a long established movement in the Girl Guides..Metal diamond shaped badge with crown at the top. The blue diamond has four large stars and one small star representing the Southern Cross . The small crown is coloured red and gold. There is a pin clip on the reverse.Stokes and Sons Melbournegirl guides, victorian girl guides badge

Box cameras were first produced in the late 19th century and were intended to be used by amateur photographers. This type of camera was a simple one with the lens at one end and the film at the other and the provision for 12 photographic plates. The spring-loaded lens folded into the camera and one side of the box served as a base for the lens to sit on. Cameras of this size and shape were made until the mid 1920s. This camera case is retained for display purposes.This is a wooden rectangular box which is covered in black leather. The box is a camera case and has a top lid with metal hinges and metal clips and five glass apertures. There are two knobs or buttons which were originally adjustable mechanisms and the remnants of a leather strap on one side of the box. The leather on the outside is partially torn away. Inside the box the photographic mechanisms and the lens are missing but there is a part of the metal spring still evident. There are also eight photographic plates loose inside the box. early photography in warrnambool, history of warrnambool

The polaroid camera was first produced in Massachusetts, U.S.A. in 1937 by Edwin Land. He developed the concept of instant photography following his production of polarized sunglasses. This Sun 660 model was first produced in 1981. Polaroid cameras were very popular in the 1970s and 80s. The Polaroid Company was re-formed several times and sold to The Impossible Project Company in 2017. Instant cameras can still be purchased today. This camera has no known local provenance but is retained for display purposes.This is a Polaroid brand instant camera enclosed in a black case. It has a cloth strap with plastic attachments. It features sonar autofocus technology.Polaroid Sun 660 Autofocus

Binoculars have been in existence for over 100 years for recreational and military use. The Carl Zeiss factory in Jena, Germany was founded in 1846 and manufactured optical systems such as cameras, binoculars and riflescopes and industrial measurement devices and medical equipment. Binoculars are still commonly used today. These binoculars have no known local provenance and are retained for display purposes.These are a pair of black binoculars with a brown leather strap. It is contained within a brown leather case. The case has a brown leather strap and metal buckle and a metal and leather clasp. Carl Zeiss Jena Binoctar 1389040 7 X 50 vintage optical goods, history of warrnambool

This hat box could have been used for either a man’s or a woman’s hat in the days when it was the custom for both men and women to wear a hat when outside the house or on social occasions. It would have been used in the home or for travel, especially when on board a ship. Hat boxes today may still be used but are usually made of cardboard or other less durable material.This box was acquired over 40 years ago from a local person. It is retained for display purposes.This is a round metal box with a circular base and a lid affixed with a metal hinge. The lid is wider at the front of the tin allowing for extra height for the stored item. The lid had a metal clip handle and there is a front metal clip for closing the box. The tin has been painted black but is much rusted, particularly on the top section. vintage headgear, history of warrnambool

These boots may have been made as a sample as they are a very small size and do not appear to have been worn. They come from the New Zealand International Exhibition held at Hagley Park, Christchurch from November 1906 to April 1907. This exhibition was the brainchild of the New Zealand Prime Minister, Richard Seddon who died before the exhibition opened. Nearly 2 million people visited the exhibition at a time when the population of New Zealand was less than one million. The exhibition was thus rated a success even though there was a financial loss. No information has been found on the bootmakers, H. Perry & Co. In the 19th and early 20th centuries boots were an essential item for women who often had to walk through unmade streets and muddy paddocks. This item is of interest as it is a memento of an important New Zealand Exhibition early in the 20th century. This is a pair of a lady’s light brown leather boots. The boots have long leather tongues with 16 eyelets either side to lace up the front instep. The laces are missing. The wooden heels are slightly raised. H. Perry & Co. New Zealand International Exhibition Christchurch 1906-7 vintage footwear, christchurch new zealand exhibition, 1906-7

These tacks, produced perhaps 100 years ago, could have been used by carpenters making furniture etc or by householders making or repairing household items. These tacks are retained as examples of building and household items used over 100 years ago. They have no known local provenance. This is a glass jar with a red plastic top. The jar contains metal tacks. All of them have the letter ‘N’ (or ‘Z’?) on the head of the tack. The tacks have a rounded head with a flattened body rounded at the end. Nvintage nails, history of warrnambool

This kit bag is a World War Two issue for Australian Army soldiers. The bag belonged to Leonard John Hyland of the Australian Army. He was born in Woolsthorpe in 1921 and was the son of John and Edith Hyland. He enlisted in March 1942 and was discharged in 1946, holding the rank of sapper at the time as a member of the 2/1 Australian Docks Operating Company. He died in Parkville in 1985 at the age of 63. This bag is of interest as it belonged to Leonard Hyland, an Australian Army member in World War Two. Hyland was from the Warrnambool district.This is a brown cloth bag with a rounded stitched base. At the top of the kit bag are 12 metal eyelets with a drawstring of white cord. The bag is stainedVX 77088 L.J. Hyland leonard hyland, world war two, history of warrnambool, kit bag

These braces of the type known as ‘Police & Firemen’ were originally worn mostly by men wearing a uniform of some sort – police, firemen, members of the armed forces, postmen, other government officials etc. Later the braces were worn by men, mainly workmen, wanting a durable, good quality item to hold up their trousers. Braces are still worn occasionally by men today, mainly as a fashion item. These braces have no known local provenance but are retained as an example of an item of clothing worn by men 100 years ago. These men’s braces have a loop of long heavy quality elasticized cotton held at the top with a metal clip and with the loop forming two long ends made by a leather clamp near the top. The ends of the two cords have metal clips and two leather straps at each end with eyelets for attachment to buttons. The top of the loop also has two leather straps with eyelets. The cords or loops are adjustable and are woven in red, blue and cream patterns. Police & Firemenvintage men’s wear, history of warrnambool

This dictionary is a large tome containing a wealth of information current at the time of publication (1958). The Webster’s Dictionary is an American publication but it was known world-wide and would have been in many households in Australia in the mid 20th century. No information is available on A. M. Archibald (the signature in the front of the book)This book has no known local provenance but is retained as an example of an antiquarian item, a 60 year-old book.This is a large tome of 2129 pages, plus supplements of 160 pages. It has a faded dark green linen cover. The spine and the cover edges are damaged. The wording on the spine and cover are almost indecipherable. Inside the covers are images of a tree with branches representing Indo-European languages. The pages have alphabetical thumb tabs and these are double-sided with gold lettering. The pages contain black and white illustrations and coloured plates. The supplementary material includes coloured world maps, dictionaries of biography, geography and mythology and information on foreign words and phrases, abbreviations, Scripture and the history of Canada.A.M. Archibald Webster’s Dictionary antiquarian books, history of warrnambool

This camera is a folding one, the Ensignette No 2 model made by the British firm of Houghtons Ltd which was originally a glass warehouse founded in 1834. The firm of George Houghton and Sons, dating from the late 19th century, established their camera business at Ensign House in London in 1903 and the Ensignette No 2, designed by a Swedish engineer, was introduced in 1912. Eastman Kodak of America produced a film for this model. This camera was a popular one with amateur photographers and the general public, being affordable, compact and easy to use. This camera is retained as an example of a British-made folding camera dating from nearly 100 years ago. It will be useful for display..1 This is a black metal camera which is rectangular in shape. It is a strut folding rollfilm camera with a lens that is folded inside in a thin leather concertina or bellows covering. It has the maker’s name and logo etched into the front of the camera. The logo is a flag with the British Union Jack in one corner and the word ‘Ensign’ inside the flag. The metal on the back of the camera is rusted. .2 This is a brown leather cover for the folding camera described above. It has a top lid flap which closes with a metal stud and a leather handle stitched on to the sides of the case. The cover is much worn and scuffed. Ensignette No 2 Ensign British Made Made by Houghtons Ltd England vintage cameras

This box has been used to store photographic glass slides. Since the 1850s glass slides or lantern slides have been used in photography and were particularly popular from the 1870s on. They preceded photographic film and were eventually eclipsed by the 35 mm. colour slides produced by Kodachrome in the mid 20th century. Glass slides, however, were still in use up to the 1990s in some scientific areas such as astronomy because of the stability of glass ware. This container has no known local provenance and is retained for display purposes.This is a brown varnished wooden container made in a rectangular shape. It is hinged at one end with two metal hinges and has two metal clips on the sides to keep the container closed. There are also two metal clips at the top perhaps for storage purposes. The inside has a flat black painted surface top and bottom and a loose black paper in one section. ‘3’vintage photography, history of warrnambool

Box Brownie cameras were first produced early in the 20th century by the Eastman Kodak company in U.S.A. They were bought by amateur photographers and were very popular because they were easy to use and affordable for the average householder. The Brownie Flash 11 camera was produced by the Australian Kodak company in Melbourne from 1958 to 1963. 500,000 of these cameras were made during that time. This camera and case are retained as they are good examples of a box Brownie camera made in Australia in the late 1950s and early 1960s..1 This is a box camera with a metal body and a synthetic leatherette covering. It has a horizontally-striped front panel and two glass finders. It also has metal pin and screw flash contacts and a built-in close-up lens. It has a leatherette strap. .2 This is a light brown leather/latex case which is rectangular-shaped with a curved top, a metal catch and a shoulder strap with a metal buckle. The case contains a small booklet with information on how to use the camera. .1 Kodak Kodet lens Brownie Flash 11 Camera Kodak Australasia Pty Ltd Melbourne Australia Close Up .2 Made for Kodak (A/asia) Pty Ltd by Frank Carew & Co, Northcote, Vic Reprocessed leather/latex vintage cameras, history of warrnambool

These three souvenir handkerchiefs were brought back to Australia after World War Two by James Godfrey. Flight Lieutenant James John Godfrey enlisted in World War Two in the Australian Air Force from Bessiebelle in western Victoria. He was attached to the British 8th Army under General Montgomery in North Africa and then took part in the landing in Sicily and the subsequent campaign through Italy. Before returning to Australia he travelled to Israel and Austria. These handkerchiefs are retained, firstly as examples of souvenirs brought back to Australia from returning military personnel after World War Two and secondly as souvenirs belonging to James Godfrey who had connections with the Warrnambool district. .1 This is a small pink silk handkerchief with a fluted edge and with some embroidery in one corner with flowers and wording in green, yellow and orange. .2 This is a small aqua-coloured silk handkerchief with a stitched edge and some stitched wording in one corner. Much of the edge stitching has been lost. .3 This is a white silk handkerchief with a stitched edge and a stencilled image in one corner. .1 Till we meet again .2 Bethlehem .3 Souvenir of Egypt world war two, history of warrnambool, james john godfrey

As written in the note inserted in the front of the bible ,"This Welsh Bible was brought to Australia by John Morgan and his wife Sarah in 1865. With baby daughter Mary, they settled at Allansford, where John took up land"Acme" farm. Their other children Margaret, Jane, Evan, Lewis and Elizabeth were born there." The Memorial card provides the additional information that Sarah Morgan died July 30th 1906 at the age of 68. The date of the Bible 1864 fits with their arrival in Australia in 1865. The Morgan family have been connected to Allansford from that time. This bible has significance social and historical significance as the Bible was common in many family homes. This one written in Welsh shows the connection between the origins of the Morgan family and their new country. It is well provenanced and is well connected to the district.Dark brown leather cover over card.The pages are edged in gold and the front and and back covers have a rectangular scrolled design . The pages are not numbered.There is an envelope inside the front cover with a George Hose docket for threshing wheat, barley and oats and an In Memoriam card for Sarah Morgan who dies July 30th 1906. There is also a handwritten note with the owners details and a navy ribbon which may have been attached at one time.There are no inscriptions on the bible itself but the handwritten card reads, " This Welsh Bible was brought to Australia by John Morgan and his wife Sarah in 1865. With baby daughter Mary, they settled at Allansford, where John took up land"Acme" farm. Their other children Margaret, Jane, Evan, Lewis and Elizabeth were born there. There is also an envelope dated 2004 and addressed to Mr Bill Morgan 6 Vera St Iluka NSW 2466. Watkins Binder label inside the back cover.allansford, welsh bible, morgan family, sarah and john morgan

This item appears to be a World War One gas mask of the type known as the British small box respirator. Gas masks were produced and issued to members of the Allied defence forces in World War One in response to the German Army use of poison gas. The small box respirator was first issued in April 1916. This gas mask is of interest as a memento of World War One.This is a gas mask with a canvas hood for covering the face and with transparent mica eyepieces and cloth straps that fit around the head. A round perforated metal piece is attached to the bottom of the head piece and a hose is attached to the head piece and to an oval-shaped tin can. 757213 5613 (?) 18 world war one, history of warrnambool, gas mask

These medals were issued to commemorate the opening of the first Parliament in Australia in Melbourne in May 1901. The Federation of the Australian States and Territories took place in January 1901. The Federal Parliament met in Melbourne until Canberra was established and a new Parliament House was opened in 1927. The fist Parliament in Australia was opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. These medals have no known local provenance and are retained for display purposes..1 This is a shield-shaped metal medal with a crown on the top. Obverse: Images of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York and printing. Reverse: Images of Queen Victoria and Edward V11 and printing. .2 as above Opening of the First Federal Parliament T.R.H The Duke & Duchess of Cornwall and York Melbourne, May 1901 Aust. Commonwealth Est. 1 Jan. 1901 First Parliament opened May 1901 63rd of Victoria R.I. 1st of Edward V11 W.A. Tas. N.S.W. Vic. S.A. Qld.

These medals were given to school children in Victoria in 1954 as a memento of the visit to Australia of Queen Elizabeth 11 and the Duke of Edinburgh. This was the first visit to Australia of a reigning British monarch. The tour took in 57 Australian towns and cities, including ten days in Victoria. These medals have no known local provenance but are retained for display purposes..1 A circular bronze-coloured medal with the image of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh and printing on one side and a crown and printing on the other side. A bar with a decorative scroll on the top portion with printing is attached to the medal by a metal ring. The bar has a metal pin at the back. .2 as above except that the medal is a little tarnished .3 as above except that the medal is tarnished and the bar is missing. Presented to the children by the Government of Victoria Queen Elizabeth 11 Duke of Edinburgh Stokes Melb. E11R Royal Visit 1954 Victoria royal visit 1954, history of warrnambool, queen elizabeth, duke of edinburgh