An historic medal from the inaugural Sheriff of London Shield of 1898, in the form of a 15ct. gold and enamel medal inscribed SHERIFF OF LONDON CHAMPI

An historic medal from the inaugural Sheriff of London Shield of 1898, in the form of a 15ct. gold and enamel medal inscribed SHERIFF OF LONDON CHAMPION SHIELD, MARCH 19TH 1898 The Football Association Community Shield, formerly known as the Charity Shield, was first competed for by Manchester United and Queen's Park Rangers in 1908. The shield directly replaced the Sheriff of London Shield, an annual match between the leading professional and amateur clubs in the gentlemen v players tradition, devised by Sir Thomas Dewar and first played for in 1898 with receipts distributed to hospitals and charities. This medal relates to the very first Shield played on 19th March 1898 between Sheffield United and Corinthians. The match ended as a draw but also in controversy as Sheffield United refused to play extra time in protest against refereeing decisions during the game. The original recipient of this medal is unknown.