Rare and historically significant bronze award plaque issued by the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in 1913, bearing the portrait of Sir Robert Laird Borden — the eighth Prime Minister of Canada (1911–1920) and one of the most consequential figures in Canadian history.

The Obverse

The front face bears a finely modelled relief portrait of Borden in right-facing profile, with "1913" inscribed in the upper right corner and the CNE monogram in the upper left. His name — "Rt. Hon. R.L. Borden" — is inscribed along the lower register in bold relief lettering. The portrait captures Borden at the height of his early prime ministerial years, two years before Canada was drawn into the First World War under his leadership.

The Reverse

The reverse depicts two allegorical relief scenes separated by a horizontal register — an agricultural scene below (ploughman with horses) and an industrial/manufactures scene above, with the inscriptions "Agriculture" and "Manufactures" — the twin pillars of the CNE's mandate as Canada's premier industrial exhibition. The lower panel reads "Canadian National Exhibition" with a recipient name below.

The Historical Moment

In 1913, Borden's government was pursuing a naval bill to contribute $35 million toward British dreadnoughts, navigating complex relations between Canada and Britain on the eve of the First World War.  (THEALARM.COM) The CNE award plaque was issued at a defining moment in Canadian history — just one year before the War Measures Act and the formation of the Canadian Expeditionary Force would transform the nation.

Borden remains the last Canadian prime minister to have been born before Confederation and the last to receive a knighthood.  (THEALARM.COM) His portrait appears on the Canadian $100 bill, cementing his place as one of the defining figures of 20th-century Canada.

Physical Details:

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 5.5 x 4 cm

Condition: Dark patina consistent with 112 years of age. Relief portrait and reverse scenes remain clear and well-defined. Normal handling wear.

Format: Rectangular award plaque, flat back

Provenance: Documented in the Library and Archives Canada medal collection catalogue as "Rt. Hon. RL Borden, CNE 1913."