FEDERATION
so-called Australia became a nation on January 1, 1901 when six British colonies (New South Wales, Victoria, Queeensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania) formed the Commonwealth of Australia
federation flag
1901, Australian Federation commemorative flag with the Duke and Duchess of York
54 cm length
acquired Leonard Joel Auctions, Naarm/Melbourne
federation medal
1901, Advance Australia Federation Medal, with the motto ONE FLAG, ONE EMPIRE, HANDS ALL ROUND, gold with three colour enamel Cloisonné, pre-empting a unified White Australia Policy
4.5 cm length
acquired from eBay
federation dog tag
1901, copper dog registration tag, the requirement for dog registration in the colony of Victoria began in the 1860s
3 cm length
anonymous donation
carved emu egg
late 19th century, a carved emu egg with a lyrebird and borderless map of continental Australia. Silverplated mount on a turned wood base
23 cm high
acquired Leski Auctions, Naarm/Melbourne
ceramic liquor barrel
19th century, slip cast earthenware with green transfer print of an early national coat-of-arms
35 cm high
acquired from the Robert Hutchinson Collection, Eora/Sydney
police baton
1912, Special Constables’ baton used in the Brisbane General Strike where tram workers, along with up to 25,000 demonstrators and 50,000 supporters protested for the right to unionise.
February 2, infamously known as ‘Baton Friday’ saw mounted police chase down and baton charge a crowd of protestors along the footpath on George Street, Turbot Street and North Quay. Many women, children and elderly were seriously injured.
Lignum Vitae wood, provenance from the estate of Captain W.C Thomson 1986 (Pickles Auctions)
44 cm long
acquired Davidson Auctions, Eora/Sydney
police truncheon
early 20th century, turned ebonised wood
38 cm long
acquired Bargain Hunt, Eora/Sydney