Historical information

These medals were issued by the Town of Warrnambool in 1897 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria of England. Walter John Hickford, the Mayor Warrnambool at that time, has his name on the medal. Walter Hickford (1855-1928) was a Warrnambool businessman, setting up a shop in Liebig Street in 1880, supplying the paint materials for householders, contactors, painters and artists. He also carried out decorative work in private homes, businesses and churches. Hickford was active in civic life in Warrnambool, serving as a Councillor from 1890 to 1903 and he was Mayor from 1895 to 1897.

Significance

These medals are of considerable importance as they were produced for the Town of Warrnambool in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. They have both a local and a wider national significance.

Physical description

,1These two circular bronze medals have profiles of Queen Victoria as a young woman and as a crowned monarch on the reverse and the Warrnambool Coat of Arms on the obverse. Both have a punched hole with a metal ring on the top.
.2 As above
.3 These five circular medals, four of which are bronze and one brass are identical with those described above.

Inscriptions & markings

.1Queen Victoria 60th year of reign 1837 to 1897 obverse Town of Warrnambool W. J. Hickford Mayor .BY THESE WE FLOURISH Reverse
.2 As above
.3 As for .3 above Note one of the bronze ones has a fabric cord attached through a hole at the top.