1887 USA Silver Award Medal for Early Bicycle Scratch Race

A very rare very early USA Cycling Award that was given to the runner up at the A & C Club Race, in 1887.

The pin badge is in the shape of a Pattee cross, made of 925 silver, with a gold front boss. It is engraved on the back: ‘ELECTRIC – A & C CLUB – 3 MILES BICYCLE SCRATCH RACE. – 2ND PRIZE – Won by J. Cosier - AUG. 20 1887’. It is also stamped STERLING W.H. STERLING, indicating its US origin. The badge is in extremely good condition.

The first cycle races in the USA coincided started around that time, with events in Boston and Chicago. But, we are unsure as to the original location of this award. The sponsor appears to have been an Electricity company, possible the Electric Company of Thomson-Housten. Scratch races were races from a stopped start that would be performed on a circuit to a particular distance.

Size: 3 x 3 cm (1 3/16 x 1 3/16 inches)
Weight: 13 g