Australian Historical Medals (1788-1885)

Lot 830    SESSION 3 (John Chapman Collection, 2.30pm Tuesday)    Australian Historical Medals (1788-1885)

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

NEW SOUTH WALES RAILWAYS, Life Pass, c1870, handcrafted in gold (13gms, 26mm), composite manufacture of two discs within a frame with a scrolled mount, obverse, cast overlay of Royal Arms, reverse, voided monogram 'NSWR' and inscribed around rim 'The Hon. Sir James Martin C.J. Life Pass', engraved around edge 'T.T.Jones & Son Sydney'. Extremely fine and rare.

Sir James Martin (1820-1886) Born Midleton, Cork, Ireland, 14th May 1820. Emigrated to Australia with his family in 1821. Educated at a dame's school in Parramatta and later at W.T.Cape's school 1833-36. He became a journalist with the 'Australian' newspaper, and was acting editor in 1839. After studying law he was admitted a solicitor in 1845. He helped draught the New South Wales Constitution, also sponsored the establishment of the Sydney Mint. He became Attorney General in 1856, elected Fellow of the University of Sydney in 1861 and Premier in 1863. He was appointed Chief Justice of New South Wales in 1873. Martin Place in Sydney was named after him. See lots 904 and 932.