League Championship Medal - 1893-94

[Alison22]

Hi everyone (or anyone),

This is long shot but I hope that someone using this wonderful forum might be able to help me!!  I am trying to locate the whereabouts (possible owner or previous owner) of a 15-ct gold League Championship medal awarded in 1893-94 to Albert Woolley as a result of Aston Villa becoming League Champions for the first time.  The reverse of the medal is inscribed and shows the name "A. Wooley"

I do know that the medal was at Sotheby's in 2001 and was auctioned together with a lot of memorabilia belonging to Stanley Matthews, but unfortunately I am at a dead end as to whether the medal ever sold.

I would really appreciate any help that you might be able to offer, especially any contacts who collect medals of this nature.  Maybe you, or someone you know, was at the auction and may remember something specific.

Thank you so much - fingers crossed.
Aly

[Legion]

This site might be a start?

[The Villa Werewolf]

This site might be a start?

From that site:

Where is his 1893 Medal? Last seen in 2001 at Sotheby's! Who bought it?

[dave.woodhall]

This is bound to be a daft question, but have you asked Sotheby's?

Failing that, how about the National Football Museum?

[Alison22]

I have asked Sothebys but they said that they do not carry out "research" for members of the public!! They gave me a list of websites to try but not had any luck.  Haven't tried football museums but will give that a go too - thanks.

[Billy Walker]

I like how on his gravestone it says: "Player Of The Aston Villa Football Club" right at the top.   Even in the middle of Manchester there's a little bit of Villa history.

Good luck with your search.

[maidstonevillain]

Possible leads.

Some proceeds of the sale (I think only Matthews FA Cup medal) went to the Professional Footballers Benevolent Fund. Write to them, they may have a record of purchasers.

The collection was sold by Stanley Matthews son. Could write to him, possibly via Stoke City.

A copy of the catalogue for the sale failed to sell on Ebay last month. If you need to check whether it was in the auction, might be worth contacting the seller.

[Villa'Zawg]

What was the date of sale?

Another of these medals was sold by Graham Budd auctions in 2008

A 15ct. gold League Division One Championship medal season 1893-94,

decorative face, inscribed to reverse LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, 1893, 1894, S.SMITH, in original fitted case

Sold for £1300

[Loopz]

Hi all. Good to see all this talk of Albert I run the albertwoolley.co.uk website and Alison22 is in contact with me (and vice versa). This is really a pain to track down so all your help is appreciated.

The Steve Smith meda (i beleive) was purchased by Villa themselves and was on display this year at the Heritage day. His England cap was also there. Very irronic that Steve Smith took over Albert's position in the team which then forced Albert to leave for Derby.

I dont have any further info on Albert's sale (or non-sale) apart from what is displayed here http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/football-memorabilia-a-15ct.-gold-league-cham-1-p-rz40sajim4

[Alison22]

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions and support.  Re: the Sothebys auction 2001 catalogue being sold on ebay - thank you I actually received it today!! It wasn't sold despite being relisted 3 times and I was really lucky.   Alberts medal is in the book but unfortunately there is no information as to whether it was actually sold.  Have emailed the National Football Museum (thank you to the person who suggested that!)

Thanks again.

PS. Hi Steve!

[Loopz]

Hi Alison

i cant believe they havent put any information about the medal being sold or not. frustrating. i will reply to your email tomorrow when i have a bit more energy

[Salsa Party Animal]

Contact John Lerwill  (He is on facebook) as he used to be club historian. He might be able to tell you if Aston Villa bought it for their collection. (Assuming he can remember)

[Dave Clark Five]

It may have fallen into the possession of Fingers Farrelly.

[Brend'Watkins]

It may have fallen into the possession of Fingers Farrelly.

Who?

[Loopz]

Contact John Lerwill  (He is on facebook) as he used to be club historian. He might be able to tell you if Aston Villa bought it for their collection. (Assuming he can remember)

I spent the day with the current historian who took over from John and she has confirmed they dont have the medal. Thanks for the idea though