The Colony of Victoria sent a number of exhibits to the Columbian Exposition in 1892-3. This was one of the great International World's Fairs of the 19th century. Held in Chicago, it celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus' discovering the Americas. Among the Victorian entries were two exhibits entered by women's groups. The Museum holds the medals awarded to these groups - one awarded to the Women of Victoria and this one to the Women of Melbourne.

Chinese Chamber of Commerce medal, obverse.

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Chinese Chamber of Commerce medal, reverse.

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Obverse – Christopher Columbus is depicted stepping ashore in the Americas being followed by a flag-bearing soldier and a man who may be a merchant. Behind them is the legend CHRISTOPHER COLVMBVS OCT. XII MCCCCXCII.		Reverse – Two winged Victories seated on plaque, one calling the world with a trumpet and the other pointing to a globe with a pen. The plaque is set above Columbus' ship and is flanked by torches. On the plaque is the legend WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION IN COMMEMORATION OF THE FOUR HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LANDING OF COLUMBUS MDCCCXCII · MDCCCXCIII TO WOMEN OF MELBOURNE.

Transferred from National Gallery of Victoria, 1976