1923 - Original Dominion of Canada Rifle Association marksmanship Silver medallion presented and engraved on the rim 'won by Sergeant M. (Matthew) Penman CGG 1923.

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Musée Canadian Grenadier Guards Museum

Name/Title

1923 - Original Dominion of Canada Rifle Association marksmanship Silver medallion presented and engraved on the rim 'won by Sergeant M. (Matthew) Penman CGG 1923.

Scope and Content

For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection *** ARTIFACT ON LOAN TO CGG MUSEUM *** 1923 - Original Dominion of Canada Rifle Association marksmanship Sterling Silver medallion presented and engraved on the rim 'won by Sergeant M. (Matthew) Penman CGG 1923. Specifications: Sterling Silver 44mm, Unc. 46.15g. Obverse: Two soldiers meeting and shaking hands, Reverse: Dominion of Canada Rifle Association Competition with rim engraving of prize winner The Dominion of Canada Rifle Association (DCRA) was founded in 1868 to promote and encourage marksmanship training across Canada. Early on, the association held Annual Prize Meetings featuring smallbore rifle, pistol, and service rifle competitions, all under DCRA staff. ABOUT THE 1868 BRONZE & SILVER PRIZE MEDALLIONS Prize medallions were awarded to top performers at these competitions. The two examples include: 1868 Bronze Prize Medallion Unnamed, 44 mm diameter, bronze, housed in an original burgundy case, featuring the DCRA crest on the obverse and “PRESENTED BY THE DOMINION OF CANDA RIFLE ASSOCIATION 1868” 1868 Sterling Silver Prize Medallion unnamed, 44mm diameter, Sterling silver (Ag) minted by Birks (46.15 g / 1.48oz Ag) WWII Era Medallions – Second Class and Bronze versions, often stamped by Birks, awarded to participants in wartime competitions ABOUT THE DOMINION OF CANADA RIFLE ASSOCIATION The Dominion of Canada Rifle Association was founded in 1868 and incorporated by an Act of Parliament 63-64 Victoria Chapter 99, assented to July 7, 1900, to promote and encourage the training of marksmanship throughout Canada. The passage of this Act was prompted by the imminent departure of the British Garrisons, who had all left by 1871, and by the then recent experience of the Fenian Raids which had occurred in 1866 against Canadian territory. On April 1st 1868, the Adjutant General of the Militia, General MacDougall, through the Honourable Minister of Militia, Sir G.E. Cartier, called a meeting in Ottawa of representatives of the Provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. At this meeting, it was decided to proceed with the formation of the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association and the Governor General, his Excellency Viscount Monck accepted the role of Patron of the Association, a position held to this day by the current Governor General. The Association at that time brought together thirty three independent rifle associations. Rules, a Constitution and By-Laws were drawn up, a Council and Executive selected and a date was set for the first Annual Prize Meeting which was held at Laprairie, just outside Montreal. In excess of 900 competitors turned up to compete for $5,500 in prize money. The DCRA has continued to hold prize meetings every year since, except during the two World Wars.

Created By

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

Create Date

June 19, 2026

Updated By

Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.

Update Date

June 22, 2026