Lot Essay
In 1842 Timothy Haalilio, Private Secretary to Kamehameha III, and the King's Advisor, the Rev. William Richards, were despatched to America, France and Britain to negotiate the continued independence of Hawaii, and to commission a royal seal and crest. The design prepared for them by the College of Heralds in London was adopted in 1845: the quartered shield has red, white and blue stripes representing the eight inhabited islands, and two emblems of taboo, pulo'ulo'u,on a yellow ground, the central escutcheon has crossed spears and the triangular flag, while the supporters, who hold a kahili and spear, are the chiefly twins Kameeiamoku and Kamanaawa. A version was created for the coronation of Kalakaua in 1883 which incorporated the crown of Hawaii, the initials KR and a representation of the Order of Kamehameha.
The silver coins which Kalakaua issued in 1883 ceased to be legal tender in 1904, and many of them were kept to convert into jewellery or mementos to preserve the spirit of the Monarchy. The last reigning dynasty of Hawaii was the Kalakaua, with Queen Liliuokalani who was deposed in 1893, after which some unsuccessful attempts were made to restore her to the throne. Hawaii became an American Territory in 1900, and a State in 1959.
The silver coins which Kalakaua issued in 1883 ceased to be legal tender in 1904, and many of them were kept to convert into jewellery or mementos to preserve the spirit of the Monarchy. The last reigning dynasty of Hawaii was the Kalakaua, with Queen Liliuokalani who was deposed in 1893, after which some unsuccessful attempts were made to restore her to the throne. Hawaii became an American Territory in 1900, and a State in 1959.