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Auction: 19020 - British and World Historic and Commemorative Medals and Tokens: e-Auction 3
Lot: 200

German Gymnastic Society of London, AR Prize Medal, "Open Tug of War, Lightweight, December 1909", by Waterlows for Wright & Son, 51mm, 50.57g, (cf. J Spencer, 6 December 2012, lot 1065), light tone, as struck; additionally, The London Cup for Scullers, AE Medal, by J Pinches, 70mm, 152.86g, extremely fine

Dr Leibfried collection


The German Gymnastic Society of London was founded in 1861 by Ernst Ravenstein, inspired by the Olympic Games of Much Wenlock, the forerunner to the modern Olympic Games. Staging annual competitions at the purpose built Germany Gymnasium in St Pancras and at the Crystal Palace, the society rapidly grew to 1,100 members including 650 British tradesmen among a representation of 30+ Nationalities by 1866.


Sporting Life reveals the December 1909 Competition as follows: "Tug-Of-War: Light Weight {38 Stone} - [Teams of four] - First Round: C. Morris' team {German G. S.} beat Carter's team {Morley Antagonistic Society}; Sampson's team {Orion G. C.} beat Cochrane's team {Bowes G. C.}; Bradshaw's team {German G. S.} beat Paddon's team {Morley Antagonistic Society}; Mann's team {St James' Holloway G. C.} beat Hawes team {St James' Gym, Wood Green}; Second Round: Morris' team beat Sampson's team; Bradshaw's team beat Mann's team; Final: Morris' team beat Bradshaw's team by two pulls to 0."

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