At its centre sits a raised blank shield-shaped cartouche, framed by ornate scrolling foliate decoration. The combination of polished and finely engraved surfaces gives the medal plenty of texture and character, while the unusual scroll-shaped detail above the medal adds another lovely decorative element. The central shield remains unengraved, which is always a desirable feature in an antique medal. It looks beautiful left exactly as it is, but also offers the possibility of adding initials or a meaningful date to create a genuinely personal piece of jewellery.

The medal measures approximately 23mm in diameter, increasing to approximately 28mm in length with the decorative upper scroll, excluding the bail. At 4.9 grams, it has a pleasingly substantial feel for its size and would sit beautifully on anything from a fine gold chain to a heavier antique Albert.

The reverse is largely plain, providing a lovely contrast to the elaborate front and displaying the original hallmarks. These confirm the medal as 9ct Gold, assayed in Birmingham in 1927, alongside the Makers Mark for James Walter Tiptaft, a well-known Birmingham maker particularly associated with medals and sporting jewellery.

Nearly a century old, this is a gorgeous piece of British antique gold jewellery with all the craftsmanship and individuality we look for. The shield design makes it wonderfully versatile too, it has enough detail to be worn alone as a statement pendant while also working beautifully as part of a layered Antique Gold collection.