Lot 3764

Description

City and Guilds of London Institute, Department of Technology, undated (1900), prize medal in silver (51mm) for Honours Technological Examination, (Eimer 1764), by L.C.Wyon, obverse, bust left of H.R.H. Prince of Wales, reverse, City of London arms above plaque, institute naming details around, edge inscribed 'Robert Benson Kirby, Watch & Clock making, 2nd Prize. 1900.'; award medal in gilt in two parts, both uniface (36x 4mm) and each with central stem which has been cut to remove it from a mounting board or plaque, the first part is the obverse, Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland and features Hancock's Infant 1830 steam car, the second part is the reverse which has a wreath and inside is inscribed, 'Speedometer Trials,/1906./Special Medal Awarded To/Mr R.B.Kirby,/For The Excellence Of Design,/Workmanship And Accuracy/Of The Speedometer/Entered By Him./March.1906.'. In unofficial case, the last two with some small edge nicks, otherwise very fine - good very fine. (3)

Robert Benson Kirby was the factory manager for Messrs S.Smith & Son's speedometer factory at Watford, Hertfordshire, England and in early 1906 one of the firm's designs for speedometers was entered in the Automobile Club trials. It was described as an experimental model but romped home with a special medal and topped the merit table.