This unique and beautifully presented collection brings together two distinctive pieces of naval heritage. Created to honour 125 Years of the Royal Australian Navy, this Limited-Edition Lazy Anchor Button Challenge Coin and Boatswain’s Call Collection is a memorable tribute to Australia’s naval service.
The challenge coin design is based on the early Royal Australian Navy uniform button, commonly known as the “Lazy Anchor” button. Australia’s naval forces were established on 1 March 1901, and the title Royal Australian Navy was granted in 1911. These early buttons featured an anchor set at an angle, giving rise to the “lazy anchor” name. After 1928, the design changed to an upright anchor.
The front of the challenge coin features a domed finish, a fine horizontally lined background, the Tudor Crown and a stockless anchor leaning to the left. The reverse reads:
1913 THE LAZY ANCHOR BUTTON
HONOURING 125 YEARS
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY
1 MARCH 1901
Each challenge coin is individually numbered from 0001 OF 1125 to 1125 OF 1125. To reflect the appearance of a traditional button, the reverse also includes a shallow shank detail.
Presented alongside the challenge coin is a Boatswain’s Call. One side of the keel is engraved with:
HONOURING 125 YEARS
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY
The other side is individually numbered from 0001 OF 1125 to 1125 OF 1125. The call also includes a chain, neatly tucked inside the presentation box.
Historically, the boatswain’s call, also known as a bosun’s pipe, was used aboard ships to pass orders when a voice could not be heard clearly over wind, water and shipboard noise. Different notes could be used for specific calls, and today it remains an enduring symbol of naval tradition, including ceremonial uses such as piping the side.
The top of the leatherette display box is gold foil stamped with the official Navy 125 Years logo. Each box set also includes an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity, confirming the quality and exclusivity of the collection.
125 Years - Royal Australian Navy
Official authorised merchandise
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