Edwardian Sterling Silver Military Award Medal by T. Fattorini, Birmingham, 1904
Decorative Object (Award Medal) · Thomas Fattorini (T.F. mark), a renowned British manufacturing silversmith and jeweler specialist in medals and trophies, founded in 1827.
Pattern: Custom Engraved Military Prize Medal with Wreath Border
Type
Decorative Object (Award Medal)
Maker
Thomas Fattorini (T.F. mark), a renowned British manufacturing silversmith and jeweler specialist in medals and trophies, founded in 1827.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) as indicated by the British Lion Passant hallmark.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 1.5 to 2 inches; typical weight for this size of solid medal is 20-35 grams (approx. 0.65 to 1.1 troy ounces).
Description
A fine examples of Edwardian commemorative silver, this prize medal features a deeply embossed laurel wreath meeting at a central bow. The textured field provides a beautiful contrast to the crisp, hand-cut engraving associated with private military or corporate sporting events at the turn of the century.
Key Features
Identifiable 'T.F' maker's mark; specific Birmingham 1904 hallmarks; high-relief laurel wreath decoration; specific provenance engraving to 'Messrs J.H. & E.J. Roberts'.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) as indicated by the British Lion Passant hallmark.
Finish & Decoration
Matte/Satin silver surface with high-relief cast laurel wreath and ribbon; hand-engraved text featuring '2ND PRIZE / R.T.B. / MESSRS J.H. & E.J. ROBERTS'. Classical Edwardian style with laurel motifs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Contains the 'T.F' maker's mark (Thomas Fattorini), the Lion Passant (Sterling purity), the Anchor (Birmingham assay Office), and the date letter 'e' for 1904.
Construction Details
Die-struck and cast construction with hand-finished edges and custom hand-engraved lettering.
Functional Features
Single-sided commemorative layout; likely originally cased or fitted with a jump ring (now missing) for suspension on a ribbon.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Disk-form object).
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent relief work in the casting; the Birmingham assay marks are struck with sufficient depth to survive over a century of handling.
Authentication Indicators
Clearly struck and deep British hallmarks matching the stylistic period; genuine age-appropriate wear on the high points of the wreath; authentic hand-engraving versus modern chemical etching.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England; hallmarks indicate the Birmingham Assay Office and Fattorini's workshop lineage.
Era & Period
Edwardian era (1901-1910), characterized by a blend of Victorian formal decoration and early 20th-century industrial efficiency.
Age Estimate
Precisely 1904, based on the Birmingham date letter 'e'.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of Edwardian amateurism and the tradition of presenting high-quality silver prizes for military and civic excellence.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant wear along the lower rim; residues of old silver polish (white paste) in the crevices of the wreath; minor surface scratches; possibly once mounted or suspended.
Value Estimate
$60 - $120 USD, largely driven by the specific military interest and maker's reputation rather than just silver weight.
Care & Maintenance
Requires detailed cleaning with a soft-bristled brush to remove the white polish residue; store in a Pacific Silvercloth pouch to prevent sulfur-based tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Medals by Vaughton & Sons or Mappin & Webb; these differ primarily in the specific border decoration and hallmark placement.
Interesting Facts
The Fattorini family is famous for creating the FA Cup trophy; this specific medal likely relates to a regional military (R.T.B. units) or local business competition.