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Medals

Reference:4046 Daily Express Rupert League, c. 1932

A silver and green enamelled medal of merit, in the form of a Maltese cross, with Rupert Bear in the centre. 40 mm. X 40 mm. (1.6 x 1.6 inches). The legend reading: 'Daily Express Rupert League'. This is the first example of the medal that has been seen, and it is therefore believed that only a small number were presented.

Condition: Extremely fine

Notes: In the 1920s and 30s there was a vogue for children's cartoons in British newspapers. Teddy Tail appeared in the Daily Mail and "Pip, Squeak and Wilfred" in the Daily Mirror. The Daily Express decided that they should have their own cartoon and turned to Mary Tourtel, the wife of one of their sub-editors. She was the inventor of Rupert Bear, devising the stories and drawing the illustrations herself. The first Rupert cartoon appeared in November 1920, with a short text beneath. With her failing eyesight, in 1935 an illustrator named Alfred Bestall took over and thereafter produced a daily Rupert cartoon for the following thirty years. The Daily Express Rupert League was formed in 1932, while the cartoon itself continues in the newspaper to this very day. The League's aims were ' to be cheerful, unselfish and make people happy', and it is thought that these silver merit medals were awarded to children to encourage these virtues. The first Rupert merchandise was the Little Bear Embroidery Card made in 1921. Two years later a play was produced based on Rupert's adventures. It was called Rupert's Revenge and was written for the Daily Express Women's Exhibition in London. Since the 1960s, numerous Rupert toys and objects have been made and he is today something of a cult figure, with 700 Followers of Rupert Bear, an organization with members throughout the world. Would you please note that you are in the ARCHIVE page of the website, where all sold items are placed. For items that are still available, please go to the menu opposite and click on MEDALS & MEDALLIC ART.