Jack Taylor, 1974 World Cup Final Medal The medal received by Jack Taylor for refereeing the 1974 World Cup Final between West Germany and the Netherlands, 18ct. gold, the obverse with Jules Rimet trophy in relief and inscribed 'FIFA WORLD CUP' at foot, the reverse with 'FIFA WELT-POKAL 1974 BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND' in relief, and at foot '© F.I.F.A.' above 'BERTONI MILANO' with their marks either side, ring suspension and original Bertoni fitted case diameter 3.4cm Together with a photograph showing Taylor being presented with the medal by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands at the final, signed on the image by the Prince, 17.5 x 23cm, creased at one edge Footnotes: THE PINNACLE OF JACK TAYLOR'S CAREER: THE MEDAL PRESENTED TO HIM AT ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS FINALS IN WORLD CUP HISTORY. The accompanying photograph shows Prince Bernhard presenting the cased medal to Taylor just before kick-off. During the match he would award the first ever final penalty kick a minute in, repeatedly waving away Beckenbauer's protests, give Germany in turn a penalty despite claims of a dive, and book Johann Cruyff for arguing. Despite the fame brought him by these decisions (in retrospect generally deemed correct) and the huge worldwide audience of over a billion, Jack Taylor's feet remained firmly on the ground. A couple of years later he was running the line in a fixture in Milan when an official from FIFA came into the dressing room before the game and told him that they showed the 1974 final to up-and-coming referees as a guide to how to do the job. Taylor played such attention down, saying things like 'it's only a game' or 'I was just doing my job'. Provenance: see preceding lots. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing