Perhaps the earliest known tennis prize in history, this was presented to William Renshaw following the 5th Wimbledon Championship in 1888. The first Wimbledons were completely dominated by William Renshaw, who won the tournament 8 times between 1881-1889 (a still standing record in tennis). Renshaw was the original inventor of the overhead smash. With his twin brother, Ernest Renshaw, he won the doubles title an equally impressive 7 times in the same period. This is that medal awarded to the brothers, following their 1888 triumph. Miraculously, this antiquated coin-shaped medal has withstood 116 years of oxidation, its raised imaging and letters still prominent with every detail visible to the naked eye. Front is two crossed tennis racquets with “All England Club Wimbledon” surrounding in raised letters. Obverse is engraved, “1888 E. Renshaw, W. Renshaw” in the center, encircled by ivy leaves and “Four-Handed Championship” in raised lettering. Carries the cartouche, "Harry Soane, London". This piece has been brilliantly restored and is glistening on all sides with no tarnishing in sight. EX-MT. Comes with two small photos showing members of the Renshaw family and the Renshaw estate, back in the 1920’s, plus a cabinet photo of Ernest Renshaw.