Webb (Captain) -- A commemorative Coalport plate printed in blue, the gilt scroll-moulded rim with foliated margin with shield containing the words 'Floreat Salopia' , a central portrait with the circular inscription 'Captain Matthew Webb' , flanked by two roundels with views of 'Iron Bridge' and the 'Dover Cliffs', a scroll beneath bears the inscription 'Born at Dawley Salop, 1848, Swam the Channel, 1875, Died at Niagara, 1883' -- 10in. diameter.

SWIMMING

Details

Webb (Captain) -- A commemorative Coalport plate printed in blue, the gilt scroll-moulded rim with foliated margin with shield containing the words 'Floreat Salopia' , a central portrait with the circular inscription 'Captain Matthew Webb' , flanked by two roundels with views of 'Iron Bridge' and the 'Dover Cliffs', a scroll beneath bears the inscription 'Born at Dawley Salop, 1848, Swam the Channel, 1875, Died at Niagara, 1883' -- 10in. diameter.

Lot Essay

Matthew Webb (1848-83) was the first man to swim the English Channel. Having trained as a seaman and become a master mariner, he became a professional swimmer in 1875. On 24-25 August 1875, he swam from Dover to Calais in 21¾ hours but drowned while attempting the feat of swimming Niagara rapids.

More from Traditional Sports

View All