Chester City FC: Historic Harry Lappin medal discovered Down Under

Apr 16 2009 by David Bergin, Chester Chronicle

A MEDAL won by a Chester FC player 100 years ago has been discovered – in Australia!

The Cheshire FA Senior Cup honour belonged to former Manchester United forward Hubert ‘Harry’ Lappin, who was the hero of Chester’s glorious cup campaign in 1908-09.

Susan Deer, who lives in Newcastle, Australia, was given the medal almost 20 years ago as a gift and has cherished it ever since. She had it valued in 1995 at just under $2,500 (Australian), which works out at roughly £1,100.

Susan, who was eager to share this piece of history with our readers, said: “Selling the medal is dependent on various issues, but also going back to the club of its origin is something that does mean a lot to me, more so than a Lappin descendent or private individual buying it.

“For now, knowing that the club will be aware of it, that it exists as part of their history, is all I was looking to do.”

She added:

“I am attached to the medal as there are nice memories within it. Perhaps wherever it was before coming to me, whoever wore it instilled good karma.”

The 9ct gold medal was made by Vaughton’s, a much-respected Birmingham company who were commissioned to make the second FA Cup after the first went missing. They still produce all Football League medals to this day.

Frontman Lappin was born in Manchester in 1878 and played for Chester during the 1908-09 campaign only.

Along with the Cheshire Senior Cup success, the club also won the Combination League and reached the Welsh Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Wrexham in front of 9,000 people at Merthyr Tydfil’s Penydarren Park.

The glorious Cheshire Senior Cup campaign saw Chester dismiss Helsby 5-0 with Lappin netting twice. He was also on target against Crewe.

The final was played against Northwich Vics at Crewe’s Gresty Road. Following a 1-1 draw, Chester needed a replay to seal cup success.

Vics eventually fell victim 3-0, and Lappin took his tournament tally to a magnificent seven as he grabbed a brace to help Chester retain their county crown.

If you have any interesting sporting memories, medals, trophies, shirts or other memorabilia that you would like to share, or if you can provide more information on Harry Lappin and his medal, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Call 01244 606463 or email david.bergin@cheshirenews.co.uk