Lot 282
The Circle of 19th Century Motorists. A first issue Type-1 badge of 1927 with blue, yellow and red enamels within an escutcheon with '1900' intaglio at the apex, and a winged wheel supporter. The shield rests on a dais with the word 'Member' raised and a dashboard mount. Plated in nickel-silver, the reverse inscribed Claude Gouldesbrough. A rarely found badge but it is, however, in distressed condition; the enamel has been damaged and will need repair, and the metal is slightly twisted. 4¼-inches (10.5cm) high. Historic Note: The Circle of 19th Century Motorists, founded in 1927, was the most exclusive of English Motoring Clubs, where to be a member you were required to prove that you had driven a car extensively before the turn of the 20th century. The number of members never exceeded 220, and with the passing of time the membership reduced to a point where the last meeting was a Memorial Lunch in 1952. While most of the members names are recorded, Claude Gouldesbrough does not appear to be on any known lists of members.
