MoAD is open. There may be building works during your visit. Learn more

Court dress cufflinks and vesta case

1911 - These intricately decorated cufflinks and case for vestas (short matches) were part of a court dress uniform that was, in fact, deliberately plain.

It was worn by Egerton Lee Batchelor, Minister for External Affairs in the Labor government of Andrew Fisher, to the coronation of King George V in London. In line with the Labor Party’s egalitarian ideals, the Australian delegation selected relatively subdued clothing for the royal occasion. It was a decision that attracted some criticism back home.

Photograph of two brass coloured cufflinks
A short match case.