I was fortunate recently to acquire a collection of rowing medals & ephemera belonging to Sydney Roden Fothergill (1864 - 1943).
Sydney attended Eton College where he was one of the most noted rowers of his generation, being a member of the Eton crew which won the Ladies Plate at Henley Royal Regatta in 1884 (his winner's medal was included in the collection). After leaving Eton, Sydney attended Oxford University where he continued to excel at rowing representing New College and was selected to represent Oxford University in the 1888 annual Boat Race. In total there were eleven rowing prize medals in the collection together with a few other items which I am now putting up for sale.
This item is a collection of three similar unmarked silver rowing medals won by Oxford University Boat Club, Oxford Silver Challenge Sculls from the 1880s when Sydney was at Oxford University.
The front of each medal depicts the Oxford University Crest in relief & is embossed:
"PRESENTED BY THE O.U.B.C."
The obverse is embossed:
"OXFORD SILVER CHALLENGE SCULLS"
Each medal comes complete with its original moulded presentation case by Gilliam & Co.
Also included with the medal is a photo reprint depicting the Oxford University Boat Race Crew of 1888 (Sydney Fothergill is one of the crew members but I have not been able to identify him in the photo). The rare original of this photo is listed separately for sale.
Combined Medal Weight of all Three Medals: 190.4 gm. Average Weight per Medal: 63.5 gm. Diameter of Each Medal: 50 mm.
Sydney Roden Fothergill (1864 - 1943). As mentioned above, Sydney was a noted rower of his generation where he excelled in his chosen sport at both Eton College & Oxford University. He won the Ladies Plate at Henley Royal Regatta in 1884 as a member of the Eton Crew and represented Oxford in the 1888 Annual Boat Race, the 45th running of the race. Sydney rowed in Seat 4 for Oxford with Cambridge winning the race by 7 lengths in a time of 20 mins 48 secs.
After leaving Oxford University Sydney served in the Boer War as Captain with the 34th Imperial Yeomanry and commanded the Westmorland & Cumberland Yeomanry Cavalry between 1911 and 1916.
Summary: As can be seen from the photos & history (above) this is a rare rowing medal won by a noted rower of his generation who not only tasted success at Henley Royal Regatta but also competed in the prestigious University Boat Race. Good luck!
NOTE: Please see my other listings of medals and other items from the Sydney Fothergill collection.