Pigeon Trophy, 1910
2020/58
Industry
The thrill of a prize like this trophy attracted many 19th century working-class men to the sport of pigeon racing. Raising pigeons was an intellectually stimulating hobby for those working in repetitive industrialised jobs. It also provided a personal link to the natural world in areas urbanised by the Industrial Revolution.Domestication
Humans domesticated pigeons long before this racing trophy was awarded in 1910. Five thousand years ago, wild rock doves were encouraged to roost by the people of ancient Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq). The descendants of these birds became pigeons, bred for communication, food and entertainment, and found across the world.Trophy
This pigeon trophy was awarded to Edward Le Comu as a member of the Newcastle & District Homing Pigeon Federation. The 1910 trophy is silver plated and was manufactured in England by Kay & Co Ltd. This company was established in Worcester in 1890 and sold its products across the world via mail order catalogues.Sport
This trophy was awarded for the sport of pigeon racing. By train or truck, birds were sent between 100 and 1000 kilometres from home wearing a numbered rubber ring and then released. When they arrived home, the ring was placed in a specially designed clock that recorded the time of arrival. The winner was decided by determining the average speed of each pigeon.
Pigeon Trophy, 1910
2020/58
Industry
The thrill of a prize like this trophy
attracted many 19th century working-
class men to the sport of pigeon
racing. Raising pigeons was an
intellectually stimulating hobby for
those working in repetitive
industrialised jobs. It also provided
a personal link to the natural world
in areas urbanised by the Industrial
Revolution.
Domestication
Humans domesticated pigeons long
before this racing trophy was awarded
in 1910. Five thousand years ago, wild
rock doves were encouraged to roost
by the people of ancient Mesopotamia
(modern day Iraq). The descendants
of these birds became pigeons, bred
for communication, food and
entertainment, and found across
the world.
Trophy
This pigeon trophy was awarded to
Edward Le Comu as a member of the
Newcastle & District Homing Pigeon
Federation. The 1910 trophy is silver
plated and was manufactured in
England by Kay & Co Ltd. This company
was established in Worcester in 1890
and sold its products across the world
via mail order catalogues.
Sport
This trophy was awarded for the sport
of pigeon racing. By train or truck,
birds were sent between 100 and 1000
kilometres from home wearing a
numbered rubber ring and then
released. When they arrived home,
the ring was placed in a specially
designed clock that recorded the time
of arrival. The winner was decided
by determining the average speed of
each pigeon.
