Though the timelines may be elusive, the oldest trophies date back to the 18th and 19th century, and they continue to be extant even today
Horses, bronze tripods and other valuable objects were handed out to the winners of the earliest ancient Olympic games. Afterwards the Greeks transitioned to presenting laurel wreaths which in itself we are not pricey but it did bring riches to its possessor through other avenues. That might have been the precursor for sports trophy cups, the initial ones of which date back to 18th and 19th century, though the exact timelines are elusive. Here are some of the oldest trophies from that era that continue to be extant even today.
Carlisle Bells
First Awarded: In 1599
Sport: Flat/Thoroughbred Horse Racing
Awarded to the winner of the Carlisle Bell horse race in Carlisle, Cumbria, England, they are actually the remnant part of a larger prize bouquet which also comprised broad silver arrows and stock which were handed out during the top of the 17th century. Both the later mentioned items went subtracted from the offerings for many years and even the prizes bells went MIA for a long time till they surfaced in the 19th century.
Scorton Silver Arrow
First Awarded: In 1673
Sport: Archery
Winners of the Silver Arrow Competition, the world’s longest established and oldest recorded sporting event, were presented with the silver arrows, besides the silver coins, a pouch, and silver brooch in the inaugural Antient Silver Arrow Competition in 1673. Founded by The Society of Archers in the village of Scorton in Yorkshire, England, the trophy is awarded to the first archer to hit the inner 3-inch diameter of the target from 100 yards. The real trophy being archived at The Royal Armories in Leeds, a replica has replaced it today.
This tourney also continues to distribute several old trophies from 1834, 1842 and 1845.
Royal Musselburgh Old Club Cup
First Awarded: In c.1774
Sport: Golf
Authorities of The Musselburgh Golf Club believes that their Old Club Cup is the oldest trophy there is for competitive sports though its very first winner dated back to 1774. Incidentally, the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club in Prestonpans, East Lothian, Scotland is one of the oldest golf societies in the world.
America’s Cup
First Awarded: In 1851
Sport: Yacht Sailing Match Race
Considered the oldest prize in international sport, this high quality sterling silver trophy, created in London in 1848, despite its name, didn't originate in the US. Initially known as the 100 Guinea Cup, and affectionately dubbed the 'Auld Mug', it was actually renamed after the yacht that the wealthy American syndicate used to notch up the inaugural 1852 victory held at the Isle of Wight, England.
