Rare & stunningly attractive 12.5ct gold Scottish football medal won by Eddie McBain playing for St Mirren FC as they won the Renfrewshire Cup in the season 1887 - 88.
The front of the medal is engraved with the Renfrewshire Crest on a raised central roundel. It is further engraved:
"RENFREWSHIRE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION 1887 - 88"
The obverse is engraved:
"WON BY Saint Mirren F.C. EDWARD McBAIN"
Renfrewshire Cup: The senior football competition for clubs in the Renfrewshire Football Association, first competed for in 1878 - 79.
In the 1887 - 88 season, St Mirren beat Morton 2 - 0 & Arthurlie 4 - 0 to reach the Final which was held on 24th March 1888 at Cappielow Park, Greenock against Abercorn. The final score was 2 - 2 and the replay was held on 14th April 1888 with St Mirren winning the game 4 - 1 to lift the trophy.
12.5ct Gold Medal: Weight: 8.3 gm. Width: 26 mm. Height (excluding ring): 34 mm. The medal is not hallmarked but has been professionally tested using a non invasive precious metal purity testing machine. The gold purity has been confirmed as 12.993 ct which is above 12.5 ct purity but below 14 ct purity. The last 3 photos show details of the purity certificate & this will be passed on to the buyer. NOTE: At the time of listing the approx scrap value of the medal was around £450.
Eddie McBain: Eddie was one of St Mirren's earliest regular team members who played for the club from 1888 to 1899 in the half-back position. In total he made 171 official appearances for the club, scoring 8 goals and 85 unofficial appearances, scoring 2 goals.
Summary: Early Scottish football medals are highly collectable and this is an attractive example. Good luck!