Presentation Watches & Trophies

Lot 2650    Day 2    Presentation Watches & Trophies

Estimate $1,750
Bid at live.noble.com.au

PRESENTATION PADLOCK, in brass (460g, 95x60x28mm), by Secure 4 Lever, no key, reverse inscribed 'Unlocked by/The Right Hon.R.J.Seddon/P.C. L.L.D./at the opening of/The Otaki Bridge/May 21st 1901/John Davies/County Chairman'. Very fine.

The following courtesy of National Library of New Zealand - Papers Past from the Wairarapa Daily Times, 22 May 1901:^^"The new traffic bridge was formally opened by the Premier, in the unavoidable absence of the Governor, yesterday. The Premier and party arrived by mid-day train, and after partaking of refreshments, a procession was formed and marched to the bridge, which was formally declared open by Mr Seddon, The procession then re-formed and marched back to the Jubilee Hotel, where a banquet was held in celebration of the event. ^^The key used by the Premier at the opening of the Otaki Bridge is of solid silver, with an elaborately cut and engraved bow, the whole being enclosed in a blue velvet-lined case. At the top of the bow on one side is the Premier's crest, his monogram, and the following inscription appears on the other: 'Presented to the Right Hon.R.J.Seddon, P.C., L.L.D., Premier of New Zealand, at the opening of the Otaki Bridge, May 21st, 1901. John Davies, County Chairman.' On the lock the following words are inscribed: 'Unlocked by the Right Hon.R.J.Seddon, P.C. L.L.D., at the opening of the Otaki Bridge, May 21st, 1901. John Davies, County Chairman,'"^^The cost of building the bridge was ?4,500.