Rare Antique 1877 Birmingham Challenge Cup Silver Winners Medal J.Brown Football

A genuinely historic piece of early English football memorabilia. This star-shaped silver fob medal is inscribed: "PRESENTED TO J. BROWN, one of the 12 Winners of the BIRMINGHAM CHALLENGE CUP, Feb 10th 1877" HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Birmingham Senior Cup (originally known as the Birmingham Challenge Cup) was founded in 1876 and is the oldest county cup competition still active in world football — the third oldest football trophy competition in the world overall, after the FA Cup. The very first final was played on 10th February 1877 at the Calthorpe FC ground, in front of 2,000–3,000 spectators, where Wednesbury Old Athletic (W.O.A.C.) defeated Stafford Road 3–2. This medal was presented to J. Brown as one of the twelve winning players from that historic first final — making it a direct, dateable artefact from the founding season of one of English football's oldest competitions. CONDITION & MATERIAL: - Silver (confirmed beneath light surface tarnish/patina) - Star-shaped medal with original ring/bail suspension loop - Genuine age-related wear and patina consistent with an item over 145 years old - Hand-engraved presentation inscription, fully legible Sold as a rare survivor from the very beginning of organised football in the Midlands. A wonderful piece for collectors of early football history, Victorian sporting medals, or antique silver. Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description. Any questions welcome before bidding — happy to provide additional photos or measurements.