'Honor the Brave'. An elaborate illuminated testimonial presented to Mrs Alfred Robert Emerson (nee Charlotte Gay) of Upper Hawthorn by the Milawa Soldiers' Committee to commemorate the death of her brother, 306 Corporal Thomas Gay, 22nd Battalion, 'Killed in action at Zonnebeke, France, September 22nd 1917'
Quarto (310 × 243 mm), comprising two sheets of parchment mounted in heavy bevel-edged morocco-bound boards. The first sheet has most of the text printed in gothic type, with the names of the recipient and the honoured soldier in fine calligraphy, and the borders extensively illuminated by hand in watercolour (featuring the draped Australian flag and numerous native flowers); 'Sands & McDougall Pty Ltd' is inscribed in ink at the foot of the page. The second sheet is also extensively decorated with garlands of wattle around an original portrait photograph (with applied watercolour) of Corporal Gay in uniform.
Full black morocco (lettered in gilt, and decorated in gilt and blind) a little rubbed; minor offsetting from the portrait; minor insect damage to the second sheet, affecting the portrait a little (minimal conservation has lessened the effects); overall a very attractive production in excellent condition.
The certificate is signed by the Chairman and Honorary Secretary of the Committee, dated Milawa, 1 March 1919. For the record, Zonnebeke is in Belgium, very close to the village that gives its name to the battle in which Gay died, Passchendaele. Charlotte's husband, 4698 Alfred Robert Emerson, 22nd Battalion, survived his active service on the Western Front.
Item #117131
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