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Written by: David Minshall
The year 1876 was an important one for America, being the centenary of the declaration of independence. Huge celebrations were planned, with exhibitions and festivities to be held at Philadelphia, and the National Rifle Association (NRA) in America wanted to be part of them.
Judge Gildersleeve, secretary of the NRA, made the original suggestion of a rifle match to mark the centenary at a meeting of the Board of Directors on 9 November 1875. Preliminary actions agreed included notification to “riflemen of England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Australia, Canada, the South American States, and all other countries having Rifle Associations or Clubs, of the opportunity presented to them to participate.”
The NRA also approached the National Centennial Commission with regards to authority to use its name in promoting the matches, for which approval was gained.
This is the origins of the international rifle competition for the Centennial Trophy. Made by Tiffany & Co. in the form of a Roman triumphal standard, the trophy was about seven and a half feet high and included a panelled block bearing the Latin word “PALMA,” dignifying prominence, valour, and victory. It is by this name, Palma, that the trophy and match was to become known. The Palma Trophy match is still held today.
