The medallion's obverse bears a carriage horse in harness facing left in center field. Around, THE WALDORF-ASTORIA CHALLENGE TROPHY (horseshoe), surrounded by outer border of leaves.
The reverse bears engraved dedication surrounded by leaf border: · FOR · THE · BEST · HORSE · / · SUITABLE · FOR · A · GIG · / · owners to drive · / · DEALERS BARRED · / · WON BY · / · LORD BRILLIANT · / · H · C · HOSKIER · / · 1900 ·
At the turn of the 19th century both horses and clubs were important to one's social standing. It is no surprise that there were a variety of clubs centering on horses that allowed the animals' wealthy owners to compete for honors in various areas. Racing was always popular but in New York City one of the most prestigious trophies to be awarded was the Waldorf-Astoria Challenge Trophy. Around 1900 the annual challenge drew hundreds of competitors who showcased their horses and competed for the $500 award and the honor of owning the best harness horse.
Lord Brilliant was a horse that totally dominated the competitive harness horse scene for the decades between 1900 and 1930 and achieved widespread international fame. He was called "Poetry in motion" and "the finest harness horse to ever step into the tanbark arena." Judges would sometimes just pin the winner's ribbon on him right away before judging the rest of the field. He retired from competition in 1935 in a touching ceremony in which a horseshoe made of hundreds of roses was placed over his neck while one of his stable mates trotted up to him and sketched a deep bow before him. All the while, thousands of spectators cheered and clapped.
This circular medallion measures 105mm in diameter and was struck in bronze. It was probably manufactured by Tiffany & Co. but it is not marked as such and I have no data in support of this beyond the statement of the medallion's seller. Additional information about this medallion would be welcome.