Description

Victoria, 1837-1901. Silver Medal 1888, 90.14 g. Centennial International Exhibition, Award Medal. By Stokes & Martin. Bust, crowned and draped. CENTENNIAL INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION MELBOURNE. Rv. In wreath Southern Cross with inscription. ARTIBUS DIGNIS HONOR INSIGNIS . MDCCCLXXXVIII. Edge engraving: PULVERFABRIK ROTTWEIL. 51.5 mm. Eimer -. BHM -. Carlisle p.54, 1888/8. Fast FDC / About Mint State. Feine Patina / Nicely toned.

From the auction Baldwin's Auctions 44-46, London, May 2006, lot 2221.

The Melbourne Centennial Exhibition in 1888 was organised to celebrate a century of European settlement in Australia. The Exhibition Building, constructed in 1880 for the Melbourne International Exhibition, was extended and reused. The Centennial Exhibition focused on Australia itself, and emphasised music and painting that attracted many visitors. However, the Exhibition was not recognised by the Bureau of International Expositions as a "world's fair".

It is believed that the edge inscription refers to the Rottweil powder factory which was an important company in Rottweil am Neckar, primarily producing cartridges for hunting and war purposes. The powder was also used in mining. It emerged from a 15th century powder mill when it was taken over by Max Duttenhofer in 1863.