2-832-169 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

In 1956 Althea Gibson (1927-2003) became the first African-American to win a Grand Slam title (the French Championships). The following year she won both Wimbledon and the US Nationals. A two inch silver medal (with original box). The medal is engraved with the text: [Exhibition Tennis Matches / Against Armed Forces of Pakistan / Althea Gibson / January 1956] on one side. The other side has engraved text around the edge of the circle that reads: [Services Sports Control Board Pakistan]. The text surrounds a symbol that includes an anchor, star, wings, and swords on the other side.