Marked for Mappin & Webb (Sheffield 1887), below the White Horse of Hanover it is engraved to a banner Won by William Giles East July 30th 1887.
‘Bill’ East (1866-1932), who spent his whole life on or by the Thames, was a rower of some note in the late Victorian era. His titles included the English Sculling Championship in 1891, the fours and pairs in the National Regattas of 1890 and 1891 and the Doggett’s Coat and Badge in 1887.
He published the ‘how-to’ book Rowing and Sculling in 1904 and in later life ran the Prince’s Head and the Pigeon Hotel at Richmond.
Webb collection
This silver badge, sold together with related ephemera including a silver and enamelled rowing medal inscribed Champion, Tyne 1891 and an original monochrome photograph of the recipient, was part of the collection formed by Islington dealer Jack Webb (1923-2019).
Offered for sale at Dominic Winter (20% buyer’s premium) of South Cerney, Gloucestershire on October 8, it improved on hopes of £700-1000 to sell to a bidder via thesaleroom.com at £4000.
