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Cape Colony: South African International Exhibition, Cape Town

Cape Colony: South African International Exhibition, Cape TownCape Colony: South African International Exhibition, Cape Town
Cape Colony: South African International Exhibition, Cape TownCape Colony: South African International Exhibition, Cape Town
Form: Circular
By: ?
Date: 1877
Ref:  Laidlaw: 0660;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
39 mmGilded Silver$120
39.0 mmCopper-Bronze23.1 gm$35

Edge: Plain.

Obverse: Shield of the Cape Colony with Hope crest, surrounded by a wreath of oak (left) and laurel (right) wrapped around at the bottom by a ribbon with motto: “SPIES BONA”. Legend above: “SOUTH AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION” and below: “1877”.

Reverse: Ornately bordered cartouche, inscribed at the top: “AWARDED (in an arc) / TO” with the remainder left blank for the recipients name. This silver medal: "W. BLISS & SON". This bronze medal unengraved. Flags on standards behind cartouche. Legend above: "CAPE TOWN", ornaments down each side and at the bottom: "1877".

Notes: The silver medal issued in a case stamped: "SOUTH AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION 1877" on the outside of the lid.

This was the first international exhibition to be held in South Africa. The exhibition opened in Cape Town on 15th February 1877. Apart from Great Britain is is not known which other countries participated. The Colony held a second international exhibition in Kimberley 15 years later.

William Bliss & Son is a British manufacturer of fine woollen cloth based in Huddersfield. Established in 1847, it remains in business today.