Ancient, British and World Coins, Tokens, Banknotes and Medallions

Great Britain, Oxford and Cambridge Athletic Sports, silver prize medal, 61mm, reverse inscribed '1913. 3 MILES. 1st. D.N. GAUSSEN, Time 14 mm. 47 sec.', Edge bruise, otherwise extremely fine, in red case of issue by A. Woodhouse, Lincoln 's Inn

David Newbold Gaussen (1893-1916, eldest son of the Rev. CE. Gaussen, vicar of Nettlebed with Porten End, Berkhamsted; educated at Brighton College, Berkhamsred School, and St. John's College, Oxford, commissioned into the 8th Bedfordshire Regiment, September 1914; transferred to the 1st Bedfordshires; killed in action, 31 July 1916. Gaussen was well known in University athletic circles as a long distance runner. The medal sold here was awarded to him for winning the 3 Miles Race at the 'Jubilee' athletics meeting between Oxford and Cambridge on 14 March 1913 at Queen's Club, held in the presence of King George V and the Prince of Wales. Reporting on the event afterwards, The Times correspondent wrote: nothing but a fit of apoplexy could prevent Gaussen from winning the Three Miles race. There was, however, great curiosity to see him run, and certainly he has a lively style. He is a lithe, light, graceful runner, who gets over the ground with the absolute minimum of effort... The Oxford man went further and further ahead and won, charitably speaking, by 300 yards in 14 mm. 47 sec., a great time in the circumstances... Gaussen was also part of the Oxford team which was victorious in the Inter-collegiate Championship of America and England 4-Mile Relay race held at Franklin Field, University of Philadelphia, on 25 April 1914. Other biographical details are included with the medal.