19th Century Scottish Silver Agricultural Prize Medal Ayrshire Cow & Calf Bull With Original Case

Details

Description

Antique 19th Century Victorian Scottish Agricultural Prize Medal – Ayrshire Herd Book Society (Cow & Bull Calf) – Solid Silver … Read more Antique 19th Century Victorian Scottish Agricultural Prize Medal – Ayrshire Herd Book Society (Cow & Bull Calf) – Solid Silver – c.1890s – In Original Fitted Case

Description
A substantial and visually impressive Victorian Scottish agricultural prize medal, struck with a richly modelled cow and bull calf scene set within a working rural landscape. The design is framed by an elaborate openwork border combining thistles (a strong Scottish national emblem) with Celtic-style knotwork, giving the piece excellent cabinet presence and a particularly decorative silhouette.
There is also evidence of original gilding present to the medal, visible in protected areas and recesses, adding an additional layer of period finish and visual richness.
The reverse is clearly inscribed “AYRSHIRE HERD BOOK SOCIETY”, firmly placing the medal within the world of pedigree recording and breed promotion—exactly the kind of award associated with late-Victorian agricultural shows and breed society prize-giving.

The Show and Historical Context
During the late Victorian period, agricultural shows were major public occasions—part competition, part commerce, and part social prestige. Breeders entered cattle into formal classes where animals were judged on type, conformation, and overall quality, and awards were presented in public prize-giving ceremonies. Medals and trophies were not merely souvenirs: they were visible proof of recognised excellence, often displayed prominently and used to support reputation and future sales.
Herd Book societies sat at the centre of this ecosystem. By recording pedigrees and promoting breed standards, they helped convert breeding claims into documented lineage. That is why an award tied specifically to a Herd Book Society carries added resonance: it reflects the Victorian move toward formalised bloodlines and the professionalisation of livestock breeding.

Maker / Mark Context (Henry Griffith & Sons Ltd – Birmingham Assay Office)
The medal carries the maker’s mark for Henry Griffith & Sons Ltd, a long-established precious-metal workshop originally founded in Birmingham in 1850. The Birmingham association is consistent with the firm’s origins and the wider Birmingham precious-metal trade.
Please note: while the maker’s mark is present, the medal is not fully hallmarked (no complete visible UK hallmark set including assay and date letter).
Metal and Professional Verification
Despite not being fully hallmarked, the medal has been professionally tested using a Thermo Scientific Precious Metal Analysis instrument, returning a reading of approximately 99.681% pure silver (Ag), with document retained.
Date
Offered as c.1890s (Late Victorian)—a best-estimate based on style and context; exact year unconfirmed due to the absence of a complete assay/date-letter hallmark set.

Dimensions / Weight
Approximate measurement of the medal is 64 mm diameter and 68.4 g (please refer to photographs, which form part of the description).
Original Presentation Case
Accompanied by its original fitted presentation case, finished in leatherette with a classic silk and velvet interior—a particularly desirable survival that enhances display and collectability. The case measures approximately 9.5 cm wide x 9.5 cm deep x 2 cm high.
Why You’ll Love It
Big display impact: large-format medal with an openwork border that catches the light beautifully
Cow and bull calf motif: classic rural symbolism with strong modelling and period charm
Evidence of gilding: attractive traces of original gilt finish add warmth and depth
Named maker: Henry Griffith & Sons Ltd mark (Birmingham connection) adds confidence and collectability
Professionally verified silver: Thermo Scientific analysis reading 99.681% Ag with certificate
Distinctly Scottish character: thistles and Celtic-style ornament deliver immediate national identity
Original case included: fitted leatherette case with silk/velvet interior makes it display-ready and ideal as a gift
Multiple collector markets: Scottish silver, agricultural history, prize medals/exonumia, breed society memorabilia
A conversation piece: a tangible link to Victorian show culture and livestock improvement See less