DAVID (DAVIE) HAMILTON OF CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB CHALLENGE CUP GOLD MEDAL
1907-8

awarded to David Hamilton, the obverse engraved Scottish Football Association in blue enamelled lettering around a pierced oval depicting a lion rampant, beneath a thistle motif, the reverse engraved 1907-8 Challenge Cup, won by Celtic FC and David Hamilton, in fifteen carat gold

The 1907–08 season was particularly eventful for Hamilton. In the October he was suspended for two months for using 'obscene and threatening language' towards the referee during the Glasgow Cup Final against Rangers, with the remark believed to be "I wish I had a revolver!". He missed the replay of that final but returned in time for the Old Firm derby on New Year's Day and scored the opening goal (one of a total of 10 strikes against Rangers). Celtic finished as league champions, secured the Scottish Cup – with Hamilton scoring in the 5–1 win over St Mirren.

Born in Glasgow, Hamilton played for junior side Cambuslang Hibernian as a teenager. He was selected for the Scotland Junior international team, alongside future Celtic teammate Alec Bennett. Having attracted the attention of Celtic with a hat-trick in a Junior test against Ireland played at their ground in March 1902, Hamilton was soon signed by the Hoops and within a few weeks was selected for the British League Cup final against Rangers which Celtic won. He spent part of that season on loan at Clyde then Ayr.

Hamilton secured his place in the Celtic team for the following season and appeared regularly over the next decade. He established a reputation as a wide man with great pace and dribbling skills, which earned him the nickname 'the Dancer'. He was part of a successful forward line which won six consecutive Scottish League titles between 1904–05 and 1909–10 to establish Celtic as a national force – their manager Willie Maley commented "The Bennett, McMenemy, Quinn, Somers and Hamilton forward line was a treat to watch in their sinuous movement and deadly attacks". In 1905, it was Hamilton who scored the winning goal in a unique playoff match against Rangers to determine the champions.

(11.20g)

4cm high