27th Mar, 2025 14:30
The Beautiful Game | Sporting Auction
JAMES GOURLAY OF MORTON F.C., RENFREWSHIRE F.A. COUNTY CUP GOLD MEDAL
1921/22
the obverse with central coat of arms bordered by inscription RENFREWSHIRE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, the reverse inscribed COUNTY CUP SEASON 1921-22 WON BY MORTON F.C. JAMES GOURLAY, in nine carat gold
Note: 'James Gourlay (1888–1970) was a Scottish footballer.
He played for Port Glasgow Athletic, and for Everton in England between 1909 and 1913 before joining Morton as part of an exchange deal for John Fulton. He remained an important member of the Greenock club's strong team in the era spanning World War I when they finished in the top four of the Scottish Football League for six seasons running, and won the War Fund Shield in 1915.
Aged 34, Gourlay scored the only goal (with a free kick) in Morton's 1–0 win over Rangers in the 1922 Scottish Cup Final which is, to date, the club's only major trophy. He later had a short spell at Third Lanark.
Gourlay played in the Home Scots v Anglo-Scots annual trial match in 1914 and was selected for the Scottish Football League XI either side of the war, but never gained a full international cap. His father James Gourlay played once for Scotland in 1888; they are related to the lawn bowls champions David Gourlay Sr. and David Gourlay Jr.'
(18.5g)
4cm high including suspension
A condition report is offered as an indication of any issues visible to the naked eye. As none of our staff is a professional conservator or restorer, buyers must satisfy themselves in respect of condition. The condition report does not form part of any contract between McTear's and the buyer, and all lots are offered "as is" in accordance with our Terms of Business available on our website.
£500 - £700
Buyer's premium: 24.00%
Live bidding through our website
When the auction is underway, you can bid live on this lot through our website. To bid live, you must be registered and signed in to our website, and have a valid credit or debit card registered on your account.
Leaving a bid prior to the auction
You can leave a bid prior to the auction day - this is called a 'commission' or 'absentee' bid. Prior to the auction, you can place your bid through our website (you'll need to be registered and signed in to do this). When you leave your bid, you enter the maximum amount you're willing to pay - the auctioneer will bid on your behalf etc. etc. For further advice contact our team on 0141 810 2880 or email info@mctears.co.uk. You can also find out more information about bidding on our 'Buying with McTear's' page.
In person
You can, of course, bid in person at our auction room when the sale is underway. Come along to our auction room on the day of our sale, and register for a paddle number - if it's your first time bidding our staff will be able to answer any questions for you on the day. For further advice contact our team on 0141 810 2880 or email info@mctears.co.uk. You can also find out more information about bidding on our 'Buying with McTear's' page.
By telephone
If you prefer to bid by telephone, we will call you during the auction and bid on your behalf to your instructions. To arrange telephone bids, please contact us at least 24 hours prior to the auction.
Auction: The Beautiful Game | Sporting Auction, 27th Mar, 2025
Rare and significant medals proliferate this auction, including an important collection relating to an early International star, James Reid.
This collection features seven medals, two shirts and a cap, with the undoubted highlight being his 1923/24 Scottish Cup medal, won with Airdrieonians - the club's only Scottish Cup.
Historic Old Firm awards are also abundant. For Celtic, Chic Geatons' Empire Exhibition trophy and John Bonnar's Coronation Cup trophy are front and centre. For Rangers, Davie Wilson's historic 1960/61 League Winners' medal has to be a standout, with two further medals relating to Alex Scott.
Viewing is open to the public from Tuesday 25 March at 10am.
Bidding is available in the room, by commission, telephone and online. To submit bids via this online catalogue, please sign in/register.
For a complimentary, no-obligation valuation, make an appointment to visit our Glasgow Galleries or contact our specialists by clicking this link and completing the short form.
Viewing
Tuesday 25th - 10am-4pm
Wednesday 26th - 9am-4pm
Thursday 27th - 9am-2.30pm
Request a free auction estimate
Complete the form below and one of our specialists will get back to you.
