SA Union: Pageant of South Africa Badge
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Form:
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Circular with rim following design. Uniface.
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By:
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? |
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Date:
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1910 |
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Ref:
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Laidlaw: 1163;
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Variations:
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| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
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| 30.5 mm | Enamelled and gilded bronze | 8.5 gm | $5 |
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Edge:
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Plain
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Obverse:
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A rounded swastika-like design in blue enamel against a white enamel background. Round the rim on each arm of the swastika: "CAPE COLONY / TRANSVAAL / ORANGE FREE STATE / NATAL".
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Reverse:
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Blank. Attached swivelling open triangular fitting.
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Notes:
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The First Parliament of the Union of South Africa was opened by the Duke of Connaught on 31 October 1910. An outdoor pageant was organised in Cape Town to coincide with this event. The pageant consisted of chapters depicting the history of the country and the various nations involved. The purpose was to celebrate unity and for this reason the more divisive aspects pf the country's history (e.g. the Boer War) were excluded.
The swastika design was the emblem of the pageant and was chosen because, in those day, it was the symbol of friendship.
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