posted 09-27-2002 09:26 AM              

I know nothing about silver so need help identifying its age and possible value.

The hallmark is an anchor, a lion walking left and a capital W.

What I assume is the makers name is H & H L.

On one side there is a figure with the head of a man and the body of a lion, and on the other the inscription "Egyptian Command Group Championships" "Cross Country" and my grandfather's name and rank.

I would welcome any help you can give.

posted 09-27-2002 10:32 AM            

It sounds like you grandfather was in the British Army at some point. The medal is English sterling silver, assayed in Birmingham. The anchor is the town mark for Birmingham, the lion passant means the piece is sterling silver, and the W would be a date letter. We would need to see a picture to be absoulutely certain what date the W stands for, but I would guess either 1921-22 or 1946-47. The medal was likely new when it was presented to your grandfather, so if you knew when he served we can pin the date down exactly.

H&H L would indeed be the "maker's mark". It MAY stand for Hukin & Heath, Ltd., who were prominent Birmingham manufacturers in the early 20th Century. Once again , we would need to see a picture to be absolutely certain.

The inscription leads me to believe that the medal was given for a footrace, probably organized as a diversion for troops stationed in Egypt.

We do not give valuations in these forums. Your medal might have some interest for military collectors, but not much I'm afraid. I would say that the sentimental value would be much greater than any monetary value in this case.

I hope this helps!