Its shield-shaped body is surmounted by a sweeping openwork scroll crest that gives the piece a much more elaborate silhouette than a traditional circular medal. The centre features a raised blank shield cartouche surrounded by beautiful foliate scroll decoration with additional hand-engraved flourishes extending across the body of the fob. The combination of polished surfaces, textured engraving and openwork gives it wonderful depth and character.

It features the Makers Mark W.P.W for William Philip Whiteman, a Birmingham Jeweller and Silversmith working from Vyse Street in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. Whiteman’s mark was registered at the Birmingham Assay Office in January 1908, and surviving records specifically associate his workshop with the production of fob medals.

This was fully hallmarked for 9ct Gold in Birmingham in 1919. This makes it a lovely example of an early 20th-Century sporting or presentation fob, dating from the immediate post-First World War period.

At 7.4 grams, it has a pleasing weight and quality in the hand. It measures approximately 26mm by 24mm, excluding the bail, making it substantial enough to wear as a focal pendant while remaining an easy size for adding to an antique Albert chain or charm collection.

More than a century of age has given the gold a gorgeous mellow antique hue, rather than the brighter yellow associated with much modern 9ct Gold. This makes it especially versatile for styling, as its warmth sits beautifully alongside both antique Rose Gold and Yellow Gold.

The central shield remains blank, which is a particularly nice feature for collectors. It preserves the clean appearance of the original design while also offering the possibility of adding a personal engraving if desired.