1884 Royal Hawaiian Agricultural Society Award Medal. Silver. 63 mm. 133.2 grams. Medcalf-Russell 2RM-6. Mint State, Edge Bumps.A very rare and attractive medal inscribed on the reverse: PREMIUM FOR THE BEST EXHIBITED / IMPORTED / JERSEY BULL / G. R. MACFARLANE / 1884. The Macfarlane family was quite prominent in Hawaiian history. George W. Macfarlane was born in Honolulu in 1847, and became a very successful merchant and financier instrumental in the introduction of the sugar industry to Hawaii. He was a personal friend of King Kalakaua, was appointed to his personal staff, accompanied him on his round-the-world trip, and was with the King at the time of his death in 1891. This medal is inscribed to what appears to be G.R. (but those initials are debatable) Macfarlane -- no doubt a close relative of the contemporary G.W. Macfarlane. The very choice reflective surfaces are enhanced by beautiful multicolored patina. The medal was produced with unusually high wire rims which, while serving to protect the medals surfaces, have taken a couple of moderate bumps on the obverse side. Still an especially attractive medal. Housed in the original presentation case, which is tattered, but complete.From the Rainbow Falls Collection.
