Antique silver & gilded pigeon fob medal, hallmarked for Birmingham, c.1894

A charming antique medal, crafted in sterling silver and a silver gilt plaque in the centre with an engraved pigeon motif. Medals like this were often awarded for pigeon racing — a popular pastime in Victorian Britain. Local clubs would commission beautifully made fobs and medals as trophies, each one unique to its winner.

Now converted into a pendant, it carries the quiet character of its past — a small keepsake of sporting pride and everyday history.

The medal bears hallmarks for Birmingham but the lion passant and dating letter have been obscured when the hanging loop was added. However, the reverse is stamped with a Registered Design number 224923. This dates the piece to around 1894 when the design was registered by William Rabone Haseler and Frank Haseler, trading as C E Solomon and Company, Jewellers, of 8 Hylton Street, Birmingham. These jewellers stopped trading in 1898. Although slightly worn, you can also see the maker's mark for Charles Edward Solomon on the reverse of the medal. 

Weight: 7.4g

Measurements: 1.2" length, including hanging loop

This is an antique item with signs of wear but in excellent condition for its age. Please refer to photo as these form part of the description.