Willie Maley’s medal from the 1892-93 league title – Celtic’s first ever Championship – is being sold at auction by Budds Auctions…
As a clear sign of its momentous importance, the bids start at £8500, and is expected to go for up to £20,000.
Full details of the action can be found here.
Since first playing in the Scottish League in 1890, Celtic have claimed 55 league flags. But it all started with that first title back in 1892.
Celtic’s maiden league title was a rollercoaster of events, including kidnapping, stand collapses, on-field riots and much more!
My debut Celtic book – The Bould Bhoys! Glory to their name – which was published by Celtic Star Books, tells the full saga of that maiden league-winning season.
The following excerpt from The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name, recounts the story of these medals:
As it was, the main recognition that the Celts received to mark their achievement was in the form of items later given to the players and club.
In the days before a trophy was presented to the Scottish League winners, it was a flag that was handed over to the triumphant club, a tradition which of course endures.
The highest flagpole in the paradise
The Glasgow Evening News later said, ‘So it is for the first time since the institution of the League [that] Celtic top the pole, and the championship flag will soon float proudly from the highest flagpole in the paradise.
‘Individual badges (medals) were also presented to the players that had scored the goals and won the victories which made Celtic the country’s champions. The Scottish Sport described these badges – made by well-known designers Vaughton of Birmingham – as being “of a very chaste design.”’
To learn the entire tale, you can buy the book, which is currently on sale for only £10 plus P&P. You can order your copy here.
Matthew Marr
Follow Matthew on X at @hailhailhistory
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