Victorian Swimming Medals. From 1845-1897.

1845 Large Swimming Medal. Obvers- Presented By The Proprietor Of The National Baths. 218 High Holborn.

                                            Reverse-To William Turner.First Prize. For Fast Swimming April 28th. 1845.

                                            Size- 48mm. Silver. Wt. 45.2g. Ring Suspension. Extremely Fine Condition.

Very early swimming medal. many details top condition. All you want in a swimming medal

Extract From the Book. Swimming Match,  The Times 1st May 1845. Prizes awarded To Mr William Turner. 28th  April 1845. This medal was bought from Timothy Millett Historical Medals And Works Of Art 2006 No.160. £85.00 The research came from the Net.

Above text:

• As another corroboration of this, the following extract from the Times, of May lst, 1845, is given—"A BRAHMIN SWIMMER,—Yesterday evening, a Swimming Match took place at the HOLBORN BATHS, which presented some features of singular interest. Among the competitors for the prizes was a Brahmin of high caste, one out of four who have recently arrived in this country, having been sent by the Indian Government for the express purpose of studying the science of Medicine at the London University. It is rather remarkable that the first desire of these children of the Ganges should be to enjoy the luxury of the Bath ;and in accordance with their request, they were immediately conducted to the above Baths, when Dwarika Nath Das Basu signified a wish to compete in the match with the English Swimmers, which was immediately acceded to. After a severe contest, the prizes were awarded to Mr. William Turner and Mr. J ames Styles. The Brahmin swam his heats beautifully. Considerable interest was manifested by the company present to know ender what circumstances the roreizners had made their appearance in this country ; and upon...

Maidstone Swimming Club Sept.1847,Presented By Mr.Isord. For The Best Swimming Of Any Member Having Learnt During The L.esson.

I paid £60 in 1998.

1865 Victoria Swimming Medal & Ribbon. Obverse- Victoria Regina. By W.J.Taylor London.

                                                            Reverse-London Swimming Club Established 1859. Presented To Mr E. Romley Swimming (Third) From Teddington To Mortlake In a Long Distance Race. Sept.16th 1865. Ref. James Spencer. D.N.W. 14 December 2004.Lot 1161

                                                             Size- 38mm. Silver. Wt 33.5g. From James Spencer Collection Part II D.N.W.2004  14 Dec.Lot 1161.

1867 Large Silver Star. Obverse- Alliance Swimming Club. 260 Yds Race. Open to First Class Members.Won By. Vernon Grant.Sept 30th 1867 Golden Lane Baths.

                                    Reverse- Blank. This medal did have suspension at one time.

This Medal tells us a lot about the early days of swimming when clubs were changing their names.

 The first meeting of the A.S.A. From 1996 In The Swim The A.S.A From 1869-1994. By Len Keil and Don Wix.

The first meeting of the A.S.A. From 1996 In The Swim The A.S.A From 1869-1994. By Len Keil and Don Wix.

This Small Silver 1901 St Bart's S.C. has an interesting History of some of the Doctors. A.H. Bloxsome. D.M. Stone. and J.C. Watkins.

1861 Victoria & Albert Silver  Swimming Medal To Master CHURCHILL. May 13th 1861.

1st Swimming Prize Presented by Professor Poulton to Master Churchill, under 15 years of age, MAY 13, 1861, at Birmingham. 

The Competitive Record of J. Gilbert

During the 1880s, amateur swimming club events were strictly structured around handicap time and distance systems to ensure fair fields.

• Club Ties: J. Gilbert was a regular competitor in the London Swimming Club (L.S.C.) and surrounding regional tournaments. [1]

• Specialization: He frequently placed in distance gliding, diving, and plunging handicaps—disciplines requiring excellent lung capacity and a hydrodynamic dive technique rather than rapid stroking.

• The 1881 Season: June was the height of the Victorian competitive season as open-air baths and municipal pools filled for summer festivals. Gilbert's victory on June 16th, 1881, marks a peak performance where his calculated plunge distance successfully overcame the yardage advantages given to slower competitors. [1]

The item highlighted in the selected region is a Victorian silver swimming medal awarded at the historical Lambeth Baths. [1]

Engraving Details

• Event Location: Lambeth Baths (a prominent Victorian public bath and swimming complex in London).

• Distance: 80 Yards Swimming Prize.

• Recipient: Walter B. Higgins.

• Border Design: Features a distinct, ornate twisted rope / cable pattern style edge around the circular medallion. [1, 2, 3]

Context

Lambeth Baths opened in the 19th century and regularly hosted widely publicized swimming matches and club events during the Victorian era. Medals like this were commonly commissioned by local swimming clubs or the bath management to commemorate amateur and professional aquatic achievements.