American Cat Association (ACA) Medal (c1930)

MUSEUMFACTFILE
ClassificationAwards
CategoryMedal
ArtifactAmerican Cat Association (ACA) Show Medal
Datec1930
ConnectionRalo Gardens Lady Katisha of Floradora
American Cat Association (ACA)
CollectionThe Harrison Weir Collection
DescriptionA round gold medal with blue enamel;
Front: ACA lettering, with "A.C.A. Championship Award" around edge
Engraved on back. "Ralo Gardens Katisha of Floradora"
Brief HistoryAmerican Cat Association Championship Award
AcquisitionPurchased by John Smithson for The Harrison Weir Collection, December 2014.

American Cat Association (ACA) Championship Award, circa 1930's
Photos: Courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

One of the aims of 'The History Project', is to exhibit in digital format, items of interest, or ephemera, related to cats and cat shows, including but not limited to, examples of competitive awards such as trophies, cups, medals, certificates, and ribbons or rosettes that belong to a specific period or feline Association. This may also include show passes, flyers, catalogues and/or club booklets or magazines. This aim is mirrored by both The CFA Foundation's Feline Historical Museum and The Harrison Weir Collection, which both house a number of fine examples of all of the above.

This very handsomely crafted medal, was awarded to those cats which achieved Championship status in the American Cat Association (ACA), during what appears to be the 1930's to 1940's. As to when it came into circulation, or for how long it was in use, is, at the time of writing, unclear.

This particular medal was awarded to a Persian female, named 'Ralo Gardens Lady Katisha of Floradora' and the obverse side of the medal is duly engraved with her name on it, shown here.

Registration details for 'Lady Katisha' are sketchy at best, but we have found records of her ACA registration, number 12320, and documentation that she was a Tortoiseshell. A black Persian male out of 'Lady Katisha', named 'Floradora Midnight' was also the sire of 'Floradora Katisha', a Tortie Persian grand-daughter, that had been clearly named after her. The 'Floradora' cattery is registered to Mrs. Flora E. Sutherland of Detroit, Michigan.

As the medal is still contained in its original box, the manufacturers details are recorded in a trade stamp printed on the inside of the lid of the box, which reads as follows:
"Dieges & Clust
Gold & Silversmiths
New York Boston Pittsburgh Chicago
Manufacturing Specialty Jewelers"

The medal has been beautifully preserved in its original state and was purchased in late 2014 as an addition to The Harrison Weir Collection.


Home | Cats | Gallery | Clubs | People | Artifacts | Articles | Updates | Contact Us

©The CFA Foundation, Inc and The Harrison Weir Collection
This project is a collaboration between The CFA Foundation, Inc. and The Harrison Weir Collection.
All material on this site is copyrighted and may not be printed or reproduced, in any form, without the express written consent of the collaborators.