The Race for the Melbourne Cup.

Very rare engraving of the 1883 Melbourne Cup won by the New Zealand horse, Martini-Henri.

1883 MELBOURNE CUP:
1st Place Martini-Henri, 2nd Place First Water, 3rd Place Commotion Jockeys: C. Williamson, McGrade, Trahan Trainer: M. Fennelly Winner’s Time: 3:30.50 Weight: 46.72kg Odds: 5/1 favourite Prize money: £2,657 About: 1883 Melbourne Cup winner Martini-Henri was the first New Zealand-bred winner of the Cup. Named after a type of rifle, the 3 year old colt won by two lengths and his victory was so easy that his jockey never whipped him from start to finish.

1. Some of the faces.
2. The New Press and Telegraph room.
3. The Governor’s luncheon room.
4. Vestibule to Ladies’ room.
5. Some of the Costumes.
6. Luncheon room.
7. Mr. H. Byron Moore, sec. V.R.C.
8. The New Grand Stand.
9. The Finish for the Cup.

From the original edition of The Australian Graphic.

Incredibly, this newspaper used glass for all the engraving plates which the proprietors claimed, reduced the cost by 2/3 from the traditional method of using wood engravings. They stated, that the glass plates didn’t break with the pressure of the printing press, were easy and quick for the artist to create, being able to apply their designs directly onto the glass and that the plates didn’t wear.

Only institution to hold a copy is the State Library of New South Wales.