In May 2022 MRNZ published the story of reuniting the WW1 medals of Cpl. John O’Brien MM with his grand-nephew, retired farmer David O’Brien of Otago – see J. A. O’Brien MM
A few weeks ago whilst surfing the internet medal sites, I ventured upon and Australian auction site I had not seen before. Attracted by a catalogue featuring several medals, I dived in and found that apart from medals there was a large quantity of tokens, medalettes, sporting medals and tribute medals. Tribute medals/fobs were popular presentation items given to returned World War 1 soldiers on behalf of the soldier’s community, usually at a ‘welcome home’ social event. The inscription on the medals often expressed the sentiments of the grateful citizens for the soldier’s service. The came in various shapes and styles, normally 9ct or 15ct gold with many produced by an Otautau Jeweller, W. J. Wesney.
There were so many tribute medals being auctioned I had time to look at just four. Some had familiar characteristics of tribute medals I had returned in the past that were most often Wesney engraved medals, and so I singled out four to look at. As I opened the catalogue for second tribute medal, all I saw was “O’BRIEN M.M.” boldly engraved on the back which I immediately recalled being synonomous with medals I returned to Otago a couple of years ago. On closer inspection, the inscription read: “Corpl. J. O`Brien, M.M. from Otautau Citizens.” The medal was made of 9 carat gold and had an auction estimate of $450 AUD.
Corporal Jack O’Brien’s Military Medal and campaign medals had been returned to retired grand-nephew David O’Brien in May 2022. Since that time I had spoken with David only once which resulted from arranging to have the letters “M.M.” added to Jack’s gravestone (thanks to “Robbo” [Peter Robertson] of the Bluff RSA). I felt sure David would be interested in bidding for Jack’s tribute medal and so sent him an urgent email as the auction was already in progress and due to close that same day – in just 4 hours! As time rolled along and not having heard back from David, the possibility he may have been away or at least out of the house for a period would result in him likely missing out. Tribute medals are very popular among collectors, AND jewellers as a cheap source of gold! If David wasn’t able to secure this medal it would likely be lost to him forever. Time was now becoming critical so I phoned. Fortunately David was home and answered immediately.
I quickly explained the situation. David was delighted to hear that another of Jack’s medals had surfaced and very keen to bid for it. I impressed upon him the need for urgency as the auction was due at that point to close in just 53 minutes! In the remaining time David would have to create an account, register to be a bidder, and lodge his bid on-line. Time was ticking by and as David told me later, he had to make two separate phone calls to Sydney for assistance with establishing his account. The auction house staff had been most helpful and as the time went right down to wire, with great relief David managed to lodge his bid in time. After what he had gone through to make his bid for the medal, David ensured he had the best chance of winning the auction. My fingers were crossed for him.
I called David the next day … his bid was successful!
The reunited medal tally is now 513.