
Undated [ca. 1850-57] Royal Hawaiian Agricultural Society Medal. J.AM.24. Silver. 63.5 mm. 1,271.3 gns. By Francis N. Mitchell. The Julian plate medal. Choice About Uncirculated. Some hairlines, minor scutter marks, heavily lacquered (not gilt as previously described). Named to the Brewer Plantation for syrup. The front shows symbols of agricultural wealth and trade against an eastern sun, palm to the left and royal crown above, the inscription around recording the society's name and its date of institution, 1850. The reverse has a wreath around a central table for the awardee's name and prize category. Extremely rare: Carlson noted only three auction records for this medal, two of which were of this particular piece. Charles Brewer & Company was founded in 1826 and was one of the ''Big Five'' that ran Hawaii until the Strike of 1946 broke its hold. The Five still own 65% of all privately held land in Hawaii. The Brewer Plantation was at Pa'auhau, near Hilo.
Ex J.W. Scott's ''Hawaiian'' sale (December 19, 1881, lot 25, Garrett Collection (Bowers & Ruddy, March 25, 1981, lot 2098).
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