Commemorative & Historical Medals 1865-1905

Lot 284    SESSION 1 (9.30AM MONDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER)    Commemorative & Historical Medals 1865-1905

Estimate $150
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $90

TRANSVAAL WAR, 1900, hand inscribed in silver (22mm), no maker, ring top suspension, reverse inscribed 'Presented/To/Roy Pirani/By/J.R.Montague/For/Efficient/Drill'. Very fine.

Roy Pirani was a Palmerston North Cadet, he was the son of Mr F.Pirani of Feilding. J.R.Montague was a Palmerston North businessman who issued (or his company, given he died in 1901) a commemorative medallion (see M.1902/3), supposedly in 1902, for the return of the NZ Contingent from Transvaal.

The following is an obituary published in the Manawatu Times on 23 January 1901 - courtesy National Library of New Zealand - Papers Past:-

"DEATH OF MR.J.R.MONTAGUE.
It is with the deepest regret that we have to record the death of Mr J.R.Montague, one of the most enterprising business men of Palmerston North, which occurred at his residence yesterday shortly before noon, after an illness of two hours. Mr Montague was taken ill about ten o'clock, the seizure being a very sudden one, as it was his intention to have proceeded to Feilding later in the day. The deceased gentleman was born in London in October, 1856, where he was educated and subsequently apprenticed to Messrs Jackson and Graham, upholsterers, cabinetmakers and general house decorators, of Oxford street. In 1880 he left England and emigrated to the colonies, arriving in Auckland in 1881. Not finding a suitable opening there, Mr Montague left for Australia, and spent a short time in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, subsequently returning to New Zealand, and taking up his abode in Wellington, where he commenced business as a cabinetmaker and general dealer, and afterwards as an auctioneer in the large Central Arcade, Manners street. In 1891 he removed to Palmerston North, and commenced business as auctioneer in premises adjoining the Daily Times office. Soon afterwards Mr Montague acquired larger premises adjoining the Bank of New Zealand, and by dint of energy and hard work, combined with his undoubted ability he speedily built up one of the best businesses on the coast. In conjunction with his auction room Mr Montague opened a large furniture warehouse, and had a commodious factory erected where a large number of hands have been employed. Recently Mr Montague disposed of his auctioneering business, and established an ironmongery and crockery branch, which he conducted successfully in conjunction with his other business. During his residence in Palmerston Mr Montague was made a Justice of the Peace, and he was also a member of the Borough Council for several years, in connection with which body he officiated as Chairman of the Waterworks Committee, for some time. Mr Montague occupied a seat on the Palmerston Hospital Board for a brief period, and at one time was a member of the Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge and Manawatu Royal Arch Chapter. Every athletic club in the town received his hearty support, especially the Cycling Club, of which he was for a time vice-President. The deceased was also an honorary member of the Fire Brigade, and was formerly first lieutenant in the Palmerston North Rifles. He took a lively interest in all matters affecting the welfare of the district, and was a thorough good citizen. Mr Montague was one of the best known business men in Palmerston, and during his residence in this town he made many friends, all of whom will sincerely mourn his death. The interment will take place tomorrow at 2.30pm."

Ex Ian McCutcheon Collection, purchased privately in April 2014.

See also lot 321 for the commemorative medallion issued by J.R.Montague.