Fifteen-to-One - Trophies
The trophies in Fifteen to One add to the uniqueness of this show. There are no cash prizes and nor is there the intention of being any.
Traditionally, the Top of the finals board trophy is antique glassware, and the Grand Final winners trophy is an ancient artefact. At the start of each Series, it is anticipated that two trophies will be awarded. One for the contestant finishing "Top of the Finals Board", and one for the winner of the Grand Final. The only exception to this was when John Emmines and Christopher Bostock tied on 272 for the Finals Board trophy in series 21. On this occasion, another trophy was purchased.
Trophies have also awarded to the winners of the Special Shows. Mal Collier in champion of champions Audenshaw School in 15 to 1 Schools and Kevin Ashman in the Millennium Quiz.
Dag Griffiths discovered something interesting after he was awarded his Grand Final trophy in series 28.
"When Laura brought on the prize, I wiped my sweaty palm and she remarked how wobbly the pyxis was on its plinth. - When I finally took possession of it I realised why. It was presented as it had always been shown and described on the show, upside down! It was not a bowl into which a lid fitted, rather it was a base over which a lid fitted."
(Dag Griffiths)
(Above, Right) The 3rd century BC reel-shaped pyxis from Athens - known as West Slope Ware after a site facing the Acropolis (the correct way up!).
(Left) series 26, Top of the Finals Board trophy won by Michael Penrice for his score of 321 shown in autumn 1999 and repeated in summer 2000.
Top of the Finals Board trophies tend to be antique glass, and Grand Final winners trophies are usually ancient pottery.
The Millennium Quiz was won by Kevin Ashman who was also series 3 champion. The picture (right) shows the top of the trophy specially commissioned for the show.