An original 1953 Castle National Darts Championship medal, awarded to a Natal Semi-Finalist and presented in its original Metal Art presentation box. This attractive South African sporting award commemorates one of the country's premier darts competitions of the period and represents an excellent piece of mid-twentieth-century sporting memorabilia.
The obverse depicts a stylised medieval castle encircled by the inscription "Castle National Darts Championships 1953", with crossed darts forming part of the decorative lower design. The reverse is engraved "Natal Semi-Finalist" and bears a "SILVER" hallmark, confirming its silver composition. The medal appears to have been gilt plated, with much of the original gilded finish still evident despite age-related wear, giving it an attractive appearance.
Accompanying the medal is its original blue Metal Art presentation box, printed "Metal Art, P.O. Box 1483, Pretoria", adding significantly to its originality and collector appeal. Awards from early South African darts championships are seldom encountered, particularly complete with their original presentation case, making this a desirable acquisition for collectors of sporting medals, South African memorabilia, and darts history.
Specifications
Event: Castle National Darts Championship
Award: Natal Semi-Finalist
Year: 1953
Composition: Silver (hallmarked "SILVER"), gilt plated
Weight: 14.43 g
Finish: Gilt over silver
Shape: Ornate suspension medal
Presentation: Original Metal Art presentation box, Pretoria
Engraving: "Natal Semi-Finalist"
Condition Extremely Fine (EF)
The medal remains in Extremely Fine (EF) condition, retaining much of its original gilt finish with light wear, handling marks, and minor surface scratches consistent with age. The suspension loop is intact, and the engraved reverse remains sharp and easily legible. The original Metal Art presentation box is included and displays moderate age-related wear and scuffing but remains structurally sound. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description and condition assessment.
Please Note:
All item descriptions and condition gradings are provided in our opinion only. We strongly encourage buyers to carefully review all photos before placing a bid, as the pictures form part of the description. All items are securely packaged for shipping; however, they may not be individually wrapped unless of higher value or particularly fragile. Shipping is at the buyer's risk. Collection can be arranged from Midlands Books & Collectables in Howick, KZN.
