Brooch - Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition, Sterling Silver, circa 1888

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This item is on display at Melbourne Museum

Summary:: This brooch was made in Birmingham, circa 1887 to commemorate the Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition. The Birmingham silversmiths produced 'blanks' that could be stamped or engraved as souvenirs of various exhibitions and events. The brooch may have been engraved locally.

This brooch belonged to the donor's great-grandmother, who was a guest at the opening of the Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition which took place in the Great Hall. The donor's great-grandfather visited the Exhibition many times, as he was the first maker of steel casting in Australia.
Description:: Scallop-edged oval sterling silver brooch with a stylized Exhibition Building etched onto the surface. Beaded edging. Reverse side has sterling mark and maker's mark.
Acquisition Information:: Donation from Mr Bill Dawson, 1991

Discipline:	History
Dimensions:	3.00 cm (Height), 4.60 cm (Length)

Tagged with:	civic mementoes, exhibitions, exhibitions melbourne international 1880-1881, jewellery, keepsakes, royal exhibition building, souvenirs, world fairs, peace keeping badges
Themes this item is part of:	Royal Exhibition Building Collection, Public Life & Institutions Collection
On Display at:	Melbourne Museum
Primary Classification:	PUBLIC EVENTS
Secondary Classification:	Melbourne Centennial Exhibition 1888
Tertiary Classification:	souvenirs
Inscriptions:	Engraved: CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION/ MELBOURNE 1888.
Place & Date Depicted:	Royal Exhibition Building (REB), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1888
Manufacturer:	Birmingham, England, Great Britain, 1887
Place & Date of Event:	Exhibition: 1888 Centennial, Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1888