George Stephenson Railway Centenary Medals 1825-1925

Hi,

Wonder if anyone can help me, I am searching for information regarding the George Stephenson Stockton to Darlington Railway Centenary Medals 1825 to1925 Presented by Leonard Ropner, Mayor of Stockton on Tees in 1925.

One is 39mm in Dia, and two are 25mm dia, all minted in silver, with the Birmingham hallmarked silver stamp, and bears the inscription " Presented by L Ropner Mayor of Stockton on Tees 1925 " around the perimeter.

I also have one Medal as above, also 39mm Dia this is minted in a base metal, with the same inscription.

I am aware of the britnumsoc.org short article on these Medals, and know that over 8,000 of the base metal Medals were minted and presented to the children of stockton on Tees in 1925 as part of the general celebrations.

The history of the silver Medals however is unclear !! It is suggested in the britnumsoc.org short article that a limited number of Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals could be minted for presentation at sports events ?

Did this happen ? are there any Gold or Bronze ? I have two different sizes of the Silver medal, were they ever presented at sports events ? or were they presented to dignitaries at private functions.

I have searched the local newspapers in Stockton on Tees in 1925, also contacted York Museum, Preston Hall Museum, Birmingham Mint, also spoken to Leonard Ropner`s son, Sir John Ropner on the subject, no one seems to know the history of the Silver medals, and to who they were presented !!

I reside in Stockton on Tees and the medals were passed down by grandparents on my wife`s side ( Muirhead )

Any information/history, valuation on the above, the silver Medals in particular, would be appreciated.


Norman Dewison