Lot 599
China, 50th Anniversary of Shanghai, 1893, Silver Award Medal (37mm/30.56gm). Garnished shields reading SHANGHAI / JUBILEE /
Ancient, British and World Coins, Tokens and Medallions | 111
Auction: 5 July 2023 at 09:50 BST
Description
China, 50th Anniversary of Shanghai, 1893, Silver Award Medal (37mm/30.56gm). Garnished shields reading SHANGHAI / JUBILEE / "C. R. BURKILL" NOVEMBER / 17 1893 in five diagonal lines; two inward-facing dragons; in background, ship sailing right upon the seas, with rising sun on the horizon. Rev. Three coats‑of‑arms arranged in pattern, with wreath of roses, thistles, and shamrocks below. Edge. Engraved "PRESENTED BY THE SHANGHAI MUNICIPALITY," with clasp and loop attached at the top. Thought to be approximately 625 medals struck in China and issued to important individuals involved in Shanghai at the time of the jubilee. A couple of minor edge knocks, otherwise Extremely Fine and pleasantly toned with iridescence.
Charles “Chuck” Reginald Burkill (1874-1950) was a British businessman trading in silk and a member of a prominent family residing in Shanghai. His father, Albert Robson Burkill (1839-1913), was the Chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Council from 1897 to 1898. Both father and son were highly influential in the Shanghai horse racing scene. According to F. H. May (Colonial Secretary for Hong Kong from 1902 until 1911 and steward of the Hongkong jockey club), “I saw Mr. ‘Chuck‘ Burkill win nine races last Hongkong meeting. Of these I calculate that he stole two, if not three. I have never seen a man sit quieter on his mount, or ride with nicer judgment […] he is indeed a “rum ‘un to follow and a bad a ‘un to beat.” (Notes on Pony and Horse Racing in Hongkong 1845-1887, published in 1909, page 38). Chuck Burkill's masterpiece was the 1933 race club building, now the Shanghai Art Museum. His name is still inscribed on the foundation stone.
Same medal awarded to a different man sold at Stack’s Bowers Hong Kong Auction in May 2023 for $24,000!
