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In the world of sports trophies, the FA Cup stands out as one of the most iconic and revered symbols. Displayed proudly by the winning team each season, it holds a special place in the hearts of football enthusiasts worldwide. However, the history of the FA Cup is not without its dark moments, one of which occurred over a century ago.
Back in 1895, after Aston Villa emerged victorious in the cup final against West Bromwich Albion, the first FA Cup trophy found its way to Birmingham. The trophy, affectionately known as the “little tin idol,” was made by Sheffield-based silversmiths Martin, Hall & Co for a mere £20. A Villa supporter named William Shillcock requested to display the cup in his window for fans to admire up close, but this decision ultimately led to a fateful night in September.
Under the cover of darkness on September 11, burglars seized the prized cup from Shillcock’s display, leaving Villa and law enforcement authorities baffled. Despite efforts to locate the culprits, the stolen trophy was never recovered. The absence of the cup resulted in a £25 fine for Aston Villa from the Football Association, prompting the need for a replacement.
Enter Birmingham-based silversmiths Vaughtons, who were tasked with creating a new FA Cup trophy to replace the stolen one. The firm’s founder, Howard Vaughton, had a personal connection to the original trophy, having won the FA Cup with Villa in 1887. Thanks to a previously made plaster cast of the cup, Vaughtons successfully produced a replacement, ensuring the legacy of the FA Cup continued.
Fast forward to the late 1950s, when a revelation surfaced regarding the fate of the stolen trophy. An elderly petty criminal from Birmingham confessed to his involvement in the theft, claiming the cup had been melted down to make counterfeit coins. While the truth of this confession could not be verified, it added another layer of intrigue to the mysterious saga of the missing FA Cup trophy
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