Lot Essay
Although uninscribed this medal was awarded to Bob Holmes and represents the 1888-89 Cup Final when the mighty Preston North End defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 in front of a then record 22,000 spectators at Kennington Oval.
The "Invincibles" are remembered as one the greatest teams in the history of Association Football. They gained the first-ever 'Double'
in season 1888-89, winning the Cup without conceding a goal and the League Championship without losing a game.
An interview with Holmes that appeared in The Times on 28th April 1954 recorded that ".....he is proud of the gold medal the F.A. gave him after Preston North End beat Wolverhampton Wanderers by 3-0 in the 1888-89 Final. It is the size of a shilling and of plain design, with a raised emblem of a football and laurel leaves on one side, and the inscription "The Football Association Challenge Cup" on the other. "The losers," said Holmes slipping into the vernacular, "got nowt!"
This lot was previously sold in these rooms, Lot 1, 14th October 1992.