A French cast metal shield-shaped competition plaque for the Association Française du Border Collie (AFBC). Executed in heavy cast metal with raised relief lettering and a silver-painted border against a vibrant yellow enamel ground, the plaque reads "ASSOCIATION FRANÇAISE BORDER COLLIE / CONCOURS INTER-RACES". Pierced near the top edge with a single mounting hole, it was produced as an official award badge or marker for inter-breed sheepdog herding trials.

Historical & Style Details

• Subject / Event: French Border Collie Association Inter-Breed Herding Trial (Concours Inter-Races)
• Organization: Association Française du Border Collie (AFBC)
• Material / Technique: Cast metal, painted enamel ground with raised relief lettering
• Markings: "ASSOCIATION FRANÇAISE BORDER COLLIE CONCOURS INTER-RACES" cast in raised text on obverse
• Colour & Surface: Yellow enamel base with silver-grey painted raised border and relief lettering
• Origin: France
• Condition: Light rubbing and minor paint wear along raised edges; overall structurally sound with clean presentation

History

The Association Française du Border Collie (AFBC) serves as the primary French organisation dedicated to the working Border Collie, overseeing official trials, training, and working dog standards. Inter-breed trials ("concours inter-races") evaluate the stock-herding capability of various pastoral and herding breeds in controlled competition. Plaques of this form are sought-after regional canine competition memorabilia for collectors of working dog sports material.