This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/6/2023
1908 Olympic Gold Medal - Golf 18K London Summer Games
Presented here is the 1908 London Summer Olympics 18K Gold Winner's Medal for Golf - The Last Golf Medal Issued Before the 2016 Olympics!
This 1908 London Olympics 18-karat Gold Medal has tremendous historical significance plus a fascinating story behind it. This stunning prize was intended as the first place winner’s award for the men’s golf competition, but it has since become a symbol of a heroic act of sportsmanship resulting from a standoff between the British (London) Olympic Committee and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
The R&A vehemently opposed the BOC’s proposed 6 round, expansive 108-hole format for the 1908 Summer Games and contested the amateur status of several players, placing their eligibility in doubt. Only a few days before the Olympic tournament, all of the British, Irish and American golfers were either disqualified or withdrew in protest, leaving just one man in the field to compete: the eccentric Canadian and defending Olympic Champion, George Seymour Lyon. The only player left standing in the 1908 Olympic Golf Tournament, George Lyon was declared Olympic Champion once again – this time by default. Lyon was presented with this exquisite gold medal.
Notwithstanding, George Lyon promptly refused to accept this medal, declaring, “sport is a gentlemanly affair,” and “I will only accept an award having won it through proper competition.” The Lyon discarded Olympic Gold Medal, being offered in this listing, is now available to every collector - far and sure. Where this unaccepted gold medal ended up after the 1908 Summer Games remains a mystery, however, the medal resurfaced in 2010 when it was purchased from a reputable, longtime appraiser of fine art and antiques.
Winner’s medals from the 1908 London Games are among the most meticulously hand-crafted and ornate of all of the Olympic medals. Minted by Vaughton & Sons of England, they measure 33 mm across and 2 mm thick. 1 1/2” in diameter. Designed by Bertram Mackennel of Australia, the obverse shows a victorious athlete being crowned with a laurel wreath by two women, inscribed "Olympic Games, London 1908” at the bottom. The reverse depicts St. George, the patron saint of England, slaying a dragon with a winged goddess in the background. Another special feature on 1908 medals is the fact that the competitor’s place (“WINNER”), sport (“GOLF”) and event (“SCORE PLAY”) are engraved on the bottom edge of the medal. This is extremely important in verifying the authenticity of this medal, which was professionally tested to confirm its 18-karat gold composition. 1908 golds typically weigh 25 grams, but this example is slightly heavier (32 g) due to the added loop feature. The condition is breathtaking for being struck 114 years ago. Both sides are nearly flawless. Its gold shine is spectacular and unfaded. The inscribed lettering and raised relief imagery display exceptionally well.
The 2nd place 1908 Olympic Silver Medal (never awarded) is on display at the British Golf Museum in St. Andrews, Scotland. A 1908 golf bronze winner’s medal (never awarded) sold at auction in 2016 for £17000 (then $23,000). A recent sale of a 1904 Olympic Trophy brought in excess of $490,000.00. What is the value for this iconic 1908 Olympic Golf Gold Medal, one that symbolizes such a commendable act of sportsmanship and representing the last Olympic Gold Medal awarded in the 20th century? It’s truly deserving of museum acquisition or a new home in a fine golf collection. This is absolutely one of the best pieces we have had the honor of presenting to the public. 1 1/2” in diameter.
The Golf Auction is proud to present our 2023 March Auction. This eclectic group of memorabilia represents all areas of the golf collecting world, so please utilize the categories column to help navigate you towards your preferred collectibles. Bids must be placed before 10pm ET, Sunday, March 5th in order to participate in extended bidding
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