Very rare Victorian sterling silver rowing medal relating to the Hollingworth Lake rowing club based at Littleborough, Greater Manchester. The rowing club was founded in 1872 and the medal was awarded in 1873 so will be one of the very earliest prize medals associated with the club.
The front of this beautiful medal depicts a Victorian moustachioed gentleman rower wearing a straw boater and holding an oar. He is in a countryside setting with a rowing boat behind him on a lake with hills & trees in the background.
The obverse is engraved:
"H.L.R.C. JULY 26TH 1873. CHALLENGE FOURS. W. LORD (STROKE)"
The medal has been fitted with a metal clip so it can be worn as a badge.
Weight; 23.8 gm. Width: 33 mm. Height: 41 mm. Due to the age of the medal it is not hallmarked but it has been professionally tested for sterling silver.
Hollingworth: A village in the Tameside District of Greater Manchester situated 11 miles east of Manchester City Centre. In 2001 the population was 1,505.
Summary: As you can see from the photos this is one of the most attractive Victorian rowing medals you will find. Of particular interest of course to anyone connected to Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club which thrives to this day. good luck!