This commemorative features the Roman god Mercury and depicts improvement in transport - from horse-drawn carts and penny-farthing cycles to modern cars and aircraft. The medals were struck by the private Melbourne mint Stokes.

Vacuum Oil 40th Anniversary medal, obverse.

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Vacuum Oil 40th Anniversary medal, reverse.

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Obverse – The god Mercury flying to the right on winged feet. Behind him above the date 1895 are a horse-drawn vehicle and a man on a penny–farthing bicycle. In front of him above the date 1935 are a current model car and aircraft. Mercury's body divides the word PROGRESS. Around is rim the legend VACUUM OIL COMPANY FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY.		Reverse – Within a wreath of wings that meet at a letter V (for Vacuum) set around a wheel is the legend BY STEADFASTLY HOLDING TO ITS IDEAL OF NATIONWIDE SERVICE TO AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY AND TRANSPORT FOR 40 YEARS, THE VACUUM OIL COMPANY PTY. LTD. HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE ADVANCEMENT OF AUSTRALIA.

Transferred from National Gallery of Victoria, 1976