Medallion commemorating the 1901 visit to New Zealand of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall

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Medallion commemorating the 1901 visit to New Zealand of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall

Date1901-1932

Object number00056364

NameMedal

MediumMetal

DimensionsOverall: 28 × 28 × 2 mm

ClassificationsCoins and medals

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Glenn Alfred Thorpe

Terms

DescriptionMedallion commemorating the 1901 visit to New Zealand of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. Depicts George Frederick Ernest Albert, The Duke of Cornwall and York and later King George V and his wife, Mary on the obverse and HMS OPHIR on the reverse. The medallion was owned by Alfred Thorpe, who was a harbour pilot in Lyttelton, NZ when the Royal Tour visited the port in June 1901. Part of a collection of objects assembled by Alfred Thorpe (c. 1852 – 1931) relating to his merchant and naval service career and association with Antarctic exploration while serving as pilot and harbour master at Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand. The collection is illustrative of the important role Lyttelton paid in Antarctic exploration in the early 20th century, as both the final major port vessels of exploration and their relief ships visited on their journey south, and also the first they put in at on their return. SignificanceThis collection of objects highlights the importance of the port of Lyttleton in early 20th century Antarctic exploration and the role of pilots and harbour masters in supporting the crews and vessels sailing south. The collection not only illustrates the professional relationship between port staff and ships’ crews, but also the high degree of mutual respect the association engendered. The close working association between mariners and key maritime roles, such as pilot and harbour master, is apparent in this collection.