Realia

Component identifier:

Series 19

Content Summary:

This series features a variety of objects, including lapel badges and pins, letter openers, marble tile samples, printing blocks and other items.

A highlight is a lapel badge bearing the inscription 'HBM Consulate, Macao'. During World War II, Braga worked closely with the British Consul, John Pownall Reeves. According to Stuart Braga, "After the influx into Macau of tens of thousands of refugees early in 1942, there was massive unemployment and hardship. The British government paid a small subsidy to British subjects who narrowly avoided starvation. Portuguese nationals were not so fortunate. To assist them, the British Vice Consul employed some young Portuguese men as guards for the consulate. This was their badge of office."

The printing blocks generally feature images of buildings, people and a 'Noticias de Macau' banner. There are also two bookplate stamps, for Braga and C.R. Boxer. Bookplates printed with these stamps are included in Subseries 3.2.

[65 pieces]

Immediate source of acquisition:

The bulk of the Braga Collection (including manuscripts, pictures, maps, newspapers, serials, periodicals, monographs and ephemera) was purchased from J.M. Braga in 1966. The component held in the Manuscript Collection at MS 4300 appears to have been formally accessioned as the J.M. Braga Papers in 1975. Several small additions have been made since the original instalment of papers was received. Most of these additions were transfers to the Manuscripts Collection from other collection areas, including a file of newspaper cuttings in May 1975, a set of microfilm reels in 1984, a file of manuscript material in 1985, lists of the Braga Collection in 1994, and two files of assorted printed material and other papers in 2009. As well, several small additions have been made by members of the Braga family. In 1992, various Braga family members donated a copy of the eulogy and order of service for Augusta Braga's memorial service, and in 2002 Angela Braga donated photographs of medals and decorations awarded to J.P. Braga, together with photocopies of early writings of J.M. Braga and eulogies for J.M. Braga and his grandson Michael Braga.

Subjects:

History

Names:

Braga, J.M. (José Maria)

Contents

Access and use