How can a few tiny markings on the reverse of a silver medallion reveal whether it is an authentic piece of Singapore's football history?
In this collage (below) is the front and reverse of a rare medallion from the
Singapore Football Association (SFA)—one of the former names of the
Football Association of Singapore (FAS).
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| The 1913 SFA medallion (as credited) |
This medallion was manufactured by Vaughton & Sons of Birmingham, England, and is believed to have been assayed in 1913, based on the distinctive Birmingham date letter hallmark.
The term "assay" refers to the testing carried out on precious metals to verify their purity, content, and authenticity.
DECODING THE BIRMINGHAM HALLMARKS: FROM SFA TO SAFA
According to available sources, the 1913 hallmark features an anchor, a lion passant, and the date letter "O" (a hallmark cycle also used in 1938).
Since the SFA was renamed the Singapore Amateur Football Association (SAFA) on 14 May 1929, it confirms that the medallion was indeed assayed in 1913.
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| A few examples of "Birmingham Dates" (as credited) |
A similar Birmingham date letter can be found on another local football medallion in my possession. Manufactured by James Fenton (identified by the maker's mark "J.F.", a firm that has long since ceased operations), the hallmark stamped on the reverse comprises an anchor, a lion, and the letter "E".
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| The 1930 SAFA medallion |
This was confirmed to have been assayed between July 1929 and July 1930 by the
Birmingham Assay Office, one of the four remaining assay offices in the United Kingdom.
ASSAYED VS MANUFACTURED: EXPERT INSIGHTS ON DATING SILVER ARTIFACTS
However, it is important to note that while the medallion was assayed during that period, it does not necessarily indicate that the piece was manufactured in the exact same timeframe, explained "Phil of silvermakersmarks.co.uk".
"The date letter is when an item is assayed, not when it is made," said Phil, who chose not to provide his full name when sharing these details during an email exchange regarding the hallmarks on the two medallions.
