One of Australia's 'Rarest Jewells': The 'Discovery' of a World Championship Sports Trophy

Abstract

Historians have tended to be more interested in documentary sources than objects. However, sports trophies are not uniquely passive objects but tangible reminders of triumphal memories. The story behind a trophy, as opposed to the person winning the trophy, can often reveal a conflicting or alternative historical narrative. There are however, many inherent difficulties in tracing the history and movement of objects. Nevertheless, the 'discovery' and purchase by a regional museum of the acclaimed first World Championship Trophy ever won by an Australian provided a starting point for this article and for further research that will be undertaken. The World Championship Trophy in question was won by Edward 'The Slab' Trickett on 27 June 1876. Trickett, a Sydney-based rower, defeated the much-favoured Englishman Joseph Sadler in a sculling match on the River Thames in London to claim the title of World Champion Sculler. The trophy Trickett won that day is now proudly on display in Uralla Museum, New South Wales (NSW). The historical relevance of this trophy, and its journey from London to Sydney to its ultimate display location Uralla, will be discussed, in parallel with the life of Edward Trickett.