Thursday, January 8, 2009

Mysterious medals




These three medals have been in my family since my maternal grandfather passed away in 2000.They are inscribed on one side with "" A Mr A. Hughan" and the year( two from 1876 and one from 1877).Around the edge, outside the wreath, is written "Nouvelle Caledonie et Dependances" On the other side is an engraving of three greek-like figures, and the word 'Noumea'.
I have absolutely no idea what these medals were awarded for,or if in fact they are an award of some kind. Any suggestions would be very welcome.

2 comments:

Elys85 said...

Possibly medals of the "Foire-Exposition" (trade show) of Nouméa.The three "muses" represent the agriculture(farming), the arts and the crafts. Best regards
Lyse Barbeau

Sherro46 said...

Thank you so much for that information, Adrienne. When he was in Australia Allan Hughan often collected and lent items for various exhibitions and shows, and even sent Aboriginal artifcats and other objects to London for the Exhibitions held there in the 1800s.He obviously had an interest in exhibitions and trade shows, so your explanation makes perfect sense. Thank you!