Rare 9ct gold football medal presented to Chris Lawler playing for Liverpool FC as they finished runners - up to Arsenal in the classic 1971 FA Cup Final, noted for the memorable winning goal scored by Arsenal's Charlie George in extra time.
The front of the medal depicts two footballers in relief together with a shield depicting the Three Lions of England. It is embossed:
"THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION"
The obverse is embossed:
"THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP RUNNERS - UP"
The rim of the medal has been engraved:
"SEASON 1970 - 71"
Although the medal is not personalised it comes with a hand-written & signed letter from Chris Lawler confirming this is the medal he was awarded following the 1971 FA Cup Final.
Also included with the medal is a quality professionally made display case containing a plaque which has been engraved:
"CHRIS LAWLER. LIVERPOOL FC. 1971 FA CUP RUNNERS UP"
The medal comes with a quality presentation case by Fattorini & Sons but this may not be the original case. Also included is an original 1971 FA Cup Final match programme & a printout of the Wikipedia page relating to Chris Lawler.
9ct Gold Medal: Weight: 21.9 gm. Diameter: 31 mm. Hall Mark: Birmingham 1970. Maker's Mark: Fattorini & Sons.
Chris Lawler (born 20th October 1943): Former professional footballer who enjoyed much of Liverpool's success of the mid 1960s to the early 1970s.
A right-sided defender, Lawler joined his local club, Liverpool, when he turned 17 in October 1960 and made his debut at the age of 19 on 20th March 1963 and by 1965 he became the first choice right back. Lawler remained at Liverpool until 1975 playing 406 League games for the club, scoring 41 goals.
Whilst with Liverpool he won three League Championships in 1963 - 64, 1965 - 66 & 1972 - 73. He won the FA Cup twice in 1964 - 65 & 1973 - 74 and was runner - up once in 1970 - 71 (the medal for sale).
Chris also won the UEFA Cup in 1972 - 73 and was runner - up in the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965 - 66.
After leaving Liverpool in 1975 Chris played for Portsmouth & Stockport County and later became a coach at Liverpool until leaving in 1986. He won four England caps in 1971, scoring one goal.
1971 FA Cup Final: The match between Liverpool and Arsenal took place on 8th May 1971 at Wembley Stadium, London in front of a crowd of 100,000.
The first 90 minutes proved goalless with all three goals being scored in extra time. Liverpool took the lead in the 92nd minute with a goal from Steve Heighway with George Graham equalising in the 101st minute. In one of the most memorable FA Cup Final moments, Charlie George scored the winning goal from distance before collapsing on the ground to be mobbed by his teammates.
Summary: As can be seen from the photos & history (above) this is a rare medal in the history of Liverpool FC, a runners - up medal from the classic 1971 FA Cup Final awarded to club legend, Chris Lawler, voted in at Number 51 in the 100 Players Who Shook The Kop poll on the Liverpool FC website. Good luck!