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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 130

(x) A very rare Canadian Indian Chiefs Assembly Medal 1901

1901 Calgary Assembly of Indian Chiefs Medal, silver issue, by P. W. Ellis & Co., Toronto, 65mm, the obverse with conjoined bust portraits stating 'Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York', the reverse with Royal Coat of Arms, this stating 'Calgary Sep 28th 1901 - Presented to Head Chiefs in Commemoration of Assembly of Indian Tribes', together with its hallmarked silver integral top riband bar, this depicting an Indian Warrior, good very fine and very rare, in its fitted case of issue

The Canadian Department of Citizenship and Immigration stated:

'A grand Assembly of Indian Tribes was held at Calgary on the 28th of September 1901 in honor of the visit of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. In commemoration of this visit a silver medal was given to each Chief and a bronze one to each Minor Chief in both Manitoba and the Northwest Territory. There were 115 silver Medals and 295 bronze Medals struck for this occasion. Medals were also distributed in Saskatchewan and Alberta.'

The event is said to have drawn some 2,000 First Nations representatives of the Blackfoot, Blood, Piegan, Sarcee and Cree expressing loyalty to the Crown. Distribution of the medals took place later, sometime after July 1902. A fine image of Weasel Calf of the Siksika Nation wearing an example of the Medal is reproduced to show the fact these Medals were clearly prized and treasured by the Chiefs.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£3,500

Starting price
£1100