In 1888 the French sent a major exhibit to Melbourne, it included a large model of the Eiffel Tower, then being built for the Paris International Exhibition in 1889. They hoped to attract Australian entries for the forthcoming Paris Exhibition. This medal was a souvenir for those who reached the top of the Eiffel Tower during the Exhibition year. It was possibly brought back to Melbourne by a Victorian exhibitor at Paris.

Click to enlarge. (76kb)

Click to enlarge. (76kb)


Obverse – The top of the Eiffel Tower and a view across Paris, with the French legend SOUVENIR DE L'ASCENSION SOMMET DE LA TOUR EIFFEL [Souvenir of ascending to the top of the Eiffel Tower].		Reverse : Three workmen constructing a section of the tower.

Donated by Harold Mower, 1991