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Lot 1632      

Estimate $1,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $2,100

WILLIAM NICHOLSON & CO., Hopwood's Ferry, Murray River, Echuca, Victoria, proof, one pound, currency note, not dated, (186- printed), not numbered, no watermark, value tablet in block, large vignette on back from a woodcut by Calvert, of Hopwood's Ferry along side Hopwood's Pontoon Bridge, hotel in background with brothel next door, with imprint of Calvert on right, entered by ink signature J.W. Mann, stating on front 'William Nicholson & Co., 13, Flinders Street, Melbourne, Pay Change or Bearer One Pound', black on white, (Mira 'From Riverboat to Iron Horse' 1990 p.4 illustrated, Max Stern auction 25 Oct. 1977 lot 275, the other known specimen). A few folds and creases, otherwise nearly extremely fine, extremely rare, probably the second known specimen.

See note on previous lot. A second note for a crossing at an important crossing point on the Murray River. The building on the right of the vignette is the hotel, which is still there, although slightly modified but recognisable. Henry Hopwood founded Echuca in 1853. Sentenced to 14 years transportation he arrived in Van Dieman's Land in 1835. He was granted a free pardon in 1846. Arriving in the Murray District in 1850 he immediately saw the possibilities of the river trade. Hopwood, or 'King Hopwood' died in 1869 aged 64, a very wealthy and respected business man. (Morris, A.H. 'Rich River', 1970 for further information.)