Australian Groups

Lot 4631    Session 15 ( 7.30pm Thursday 20th November)    Australian Groups

Estimate $1,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $650

TRIO TO THE LORD MAYOR OF MELBOURNE: Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) Commander (Civil) neck badge type 2; Coronation Medal 1937; Coronation Medal 1953. All medals unnamed as issued. Display mounted on board with other awards using double sided tape, fine - uncirculated.

Together with case for CBE and the following,

1. Bestowal document for award of CBE.

2. City of Melbourne Centenary medal, 1942, in silver (58mm) (C.1942/1), edge inscribed, 'Councillor W.J Brens. 1938'.

3. Another as for 2 except in bronze, edge inscribed, 'The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor (Cr. W.J. Brens).

4. Four Masonic Lodge medals including Past Master's jewel for Lodge Integrity No.376, in 9ct gold, reverse inscribed, 'Presented to/Wor. Bro. W.F. Brens P.M./from the members/As a token of esteem/2.10.44'; also a Freemasons Homes Victoria Life Governor jewel, reverse inscribed, '680/W.J. Brens/1955'.

5. Dedication of Queen Elizabeth II 1953 small leather bound publication in a satin lined case and inside the lid of this is attached a gold blocked felt label that reads, 'Presented to/The Right Hon. The Lord Mayor/Councillor W.J. Brens/By The/Coronation Chair Organization/Margaret A. Van Houtan'.

CBE: Supplement to LG 12/6/1958, p3533, to William John Brens Esq, a Councillor for the City of Melbourne, State of Victoria, for many years.

William John Brens was born on a dairy farm at Terang, Victoria one of eleven children. He was the first rural-born person to become Lord Mayor of Melbourne. His council service began in 1938 when he won the Smith Ward election. From 1939 until he was elected Lord Mayor (1952-53) he was Chairman of the Council Parks and Gardens Committee, hence his nickname within council of 'the tree man'. He was independently wealthy having founded the Austral Motor Wheel Works in an industry he pioneered in Melbourne. In 1952 he donated the Lord Mayor's Challenge Cup to the Melbourne Amateur Regatta Association and in 1953 he visited Japan and Korea meeting the Australian contingent of BCOF. William Brens died in August 1972 at the age of 75 and his funeral service was held at Fawkner Memorial Park.

With copy of Gazette entry for CBE and other documents and photos.