Cape Colony: South African Wimbledon Challenge Shield Rifle Shooting Award
|
|
|
|
|
Form:
|
Circular
|
|
By:
|
Elkington & Co, Birmingham / C.P. Heydenrych, Johannesburg |
|
Date:
|
1884 |
|
Ref:
|
Laidlaw: 1233;
|
|
Variations:
|
| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
|---|
| 38.2 mm | Silver or Silver Plated Bronze (?) | 24.4 gm | $60 |
|
|
Edge:
|
Plain. This medal engraved with the name of the team member: "S.E. ROBERTS".
|
|
Obverse:
|
Raised reeded rim. On a raised circular shield, ornament round border, crouching naked maiden, left, head front, hands tied behind back, against background of spears, shields and dolphins(?). Legend above: "SOUTH AFRICAN WIMBLEDON CHALLENGE SHIELD" and below on plaque: "1880".
|
|
Reverse:
|
Raised reeded rim. Within a palm wreath tied at the bottom with a ribbon, space for engraving. This medal across: "C. TN. RIFLE CLUB TEAM (in an arc) / 1884 / J. ART / CAPTN. / W.W. THOMPSON. / R.S. SOLOMON. / S.E ROBERTS. / A. ROWBONE. / J.H. COMMIN. / A. GRACIE. / P.R. ROBERTS.”.
|
|
Notes:
|
Comes inside a square fitted maroon case lined on the inside with light blue silk and dark blue velvet. Later medals in blue case with white silk on the inside of the lid marked: "G.P. HEYDENRYCH & CO. / MANUFACTURERS / JOHANNESBURG".
The National Rifle Association was founded in 1859. Competitions were based at Wimbledon Common, London, up to 1890 when the NRA moved to Bisley. It is believed that the competition for the South African Wimbledon Challenge Shield was to select the best team in South Africa to compete at the NRA event in Wimbledon.
|
