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- A Issued By Melbourne, Australia
- A Mint Melbourne, Australia
- B Awarded To Great Western, Australia
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Medal - Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, Second Prize, Victoria, Australia, 1901
Reg. No: NU 18559
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- Summary:
- Medal awarded by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria Royal Agricultural Society, 2nd prize for Australian sparkling wine, to Hans W.H. Irvine 1901.
Hans William Henry Irvine, born in Melbourne in 1856, was a successful vigneron and politician, and was known as the 'wine king of Australia'. His largest holding was the Great Western winery, which he owned from 1888-1918. In the early 1890s Irvine purchased two-thirds of the produce of local vignerons, much of which was distilled into his brandy. He also became known for his claret, hock, chablis, burgundy, hermitage, sparkling hock and sparking burgandy. He was an effective self-promoter, and in 1982 entertained the Victorian governor in lavish style. He also pioneered wine advertising. Irvine was particularly interested in the science of wine-making, and used the latest technologies in his cellars. These contributed to his success at a time when so many other Victorian wine-makers were struggling.
In 1892 he was commissioned by the Victorian minister of agriculture to write a report on the Australian wine trade. Two years later he suggested a conference of vignerons to discuss problems facing the industry, and supported the proposal for a college of viticulture and the introduction of phylloxera-resistant American root stocks. He encouraged industry self-regulation through an elected board, the establishment of regional wineries and cheaper finance for investors in the wine industry. He travelled to Europe several times to learn wine-making techniques and arrange sales. - Description:
- A silver prize medal (36 mm diameter) awarded to Hans Irvine featuring Victoria standing holding a Victor's wreath and colonial shield surrounded by the heads of a horse, sheep and cow, a plough, wind mill and stables. In the background a ship powered by steam ans sail leaves port and a light-house.
| Discipline: | Numismatics |
| Dimensions: | 36 mm (Diameter) |
| Weight: | 29.749 g (Weight) |
More information
| Tagged with: | agriculture, wine |
| Themes this item is part of: | Great Western Winery Timeline 1858-1922, Hans William Henry Irvine, Vigneron & Politician (1856-1922), Public Life & Institutions Collection, Sustainable Futures Collection, Stokes & Son, Medal Makers, Melbourne, Victoria & Sydney, New South Wales, The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, Hans William Henry Irvine, Vigneron & Politician (1856-1922) |
| Primary Classification: | MEDALS |
| Secondary Classification: | Civil |
| Tertiary Classification: | agricultural prizes |
| Series: | Australian Agricultural Prize Medals |
| DateEra: | 1901 AD |
| Obverse Description: | At centre inscribed within an olive wreath, HANS W.H.IRVINE; around, THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF VICTORIA |
| Reverse Description: | Victoria standing front, head left holding a Victor's wreath in right hand and resting left hand on colonial shield; she is surrounded by the heads of a horse, sheep and cow, a plough, wind mill and stables. In the background a ship powered by steam ans sail leaves port and a light-house.. in exergue, S&M |
| Edge Description: | 2ND. PRIZE, AUSTRALIAN SPARKLING WINE |
| Inscriptions: | Edge: 2ND. PRIZE, AUSTRALIAN SPARKLING WINE Obverse: THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF VICTORIA; at centre inscribed, HANS IRVINE 1901 Reverse: the makers initials in exergue, S&M |
| Shape: | round |
| Material: | Silver |
| Issued By: | Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1901 |
| Mint: | Stokes & Martin (Mint), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1901 |
| Awarded To: | Mr Hans Irvine - Great Western Vineyards & Champagne Cellars, Great Western, Victoria, Australia, 1901 |
Themes
This item is part of the following themes:
- Great Western Winery Timeline 1858-1922
- Hans William Henry Irvine, Vigneron & Politician (1856-1922)
- Public Life & Institutions Collection
- Sustainable Futures Collection
- Stokes & Son, Medal Makers, Melbourne, Victoria & Sydney, New South Wales
- The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria
- Hans William Henry Irvine, Vigneron & Politician (1856-1922)
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