SA Union: Centenary of the Founding of Great Brak River Village by the Searle Family
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Form:
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Circular with attached lug
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By:
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? |
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Date:
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1959 |
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Ref:
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Laidlaw: 0698;
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Variations:
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| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
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| 32.2 mm | Bronze | 13.7 gm | $12 |
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Edge:
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Plain.
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Obverse:
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Settler’s cottage beside gate, tree behind, surrounded by rays. In an arc below: “1859 – 1959”
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Reverse:
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Above in an arc: “IN COMMEMORATION OF”, then across: “THE / CENTENARY / OF / THE ARRIVAL / OF THE / SEARLE FAMILY / FOUNDERS / OF”, and in an arc below with stops on each side: “GREAT BRAK RIVER”
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Notes:
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Great Brak River is a village in the Western Cape between Mossel Bay and George. It lies around the lagoon at the estuary of the river from which it takes its name.
The Searle family (Charles, his wife Pamela, their four children and his brother Richard) emigrated from Surrey in England and settled in the region during the 1850s. The Great Brak River village was founded by Charles in 1859 after he had received the contract to operate a toll-gate at the causeway over the Great Brak River. The accumulated toll fees were used to finance the construction of a bridge.
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