Coins, Paper Money, Tokens and Historical Medals

Cambridge University, silver award medals by Peters (3), 100 Yards Grand Challenge Cup and Victor Ludorum (2), with silver plaques, named (100 Yards Grand Challenge Cup Won by P.M. Thornton, Jesus College, March 1862; Victor Ludorum, P.M. Thornton, Jesus College, March 1862; Victor Ludorum Medal Won by P.M. Thornton, Jesus College, 1863), together with an engraved silver shield bearing conjoined arms, hallmarked London 1890, and an engraved silver scroll [Lot]. Extremely fine; mounted in a glazed frame, with wire for suspension £150-200

Percy Melville Thornton (1841-1918), educ. at Dr Lenny’s School, Ramsgate, Harrow 1856-60 and Jesus College 1860-5; an enthusiastic sportsman, he became the first secretary of the Cambridge University Athletic Association in 1863 and organised the first inter-varsity athletic games in that year. His cricketing prowess was rewarded with honorary secretaryship of the MCC from 1871 to 1899. Descended from a family steeped in Liberal politics, Thornton switched allegiance and became the Conservative MP for Clapham in 1892, retaining the seat until retirement in 1910. Interestingly, he was the instigator of the boat race at Ghent in 1911, the first running of which witnessed a victory for the Jesus College crew. He lived at Battersea Rise House, Clapham Common. In his memoirs, Thornton writes of having run the half-mile in the then very respectable time of 1 minute 59 seconds in 1860, and said that he “competed as a matter of sport pure and simple. Deeply do I prize the oval silver cup given me by Jesus College…and the Claret Cup presented by the Cambridge University Athletic Club, as well as my two Victor Ludorum medals”