(AUSTRALIA).

AUCTION 72 | Thursday, March 16th, 2017 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Holy Land Maps & Fine Art

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Lot 227

(AUSTRALIA).

Testimonial of the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Addressed to the Duke of Edinburgh. In this lavish illuminated large vellum certificate, the representatives of the Congregation express their pleasure at the Prince’s arrival to Melbourne, declare their allegiance to the Royal Family, and wish the Prince success and prosperity. Some staining along right margin, not affecting image or text. Some tape attached on reverse along perimeter. 27 x 20 inches (sheet size).

Melbourne: 26th November, 1867

Est: $5,000 - $7,000
A Proud Monument to early Australian Jewry. Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, was founded in 1835. The Melbourne Jewish Community was established in 1841, six years later the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation was inaugurated. Australia’s religious life was based on the traditions of Anglo-Jewry. Its Minister at the time of this historic Royal Visit was London-born Rabbi Abraham Frederick Ornstein (1836-95), who officiated in Melbourne from 1866-75, before accepting the call to Cape Town, South Africa. See L.M. Goldman, Jews in Victoria in the 19th Century (1954).