Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Presentation Cup (1873)

An exceptional, fine and impressive, antique Victorian English sterling silver presentation cup; an addition to our Victorian silverware collection. This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver cup has a bell-shaped form to a circular spreading foot. The tapering body of this solid silver presentation cup is embellished with exceptional chased neoclassical bands and floral garlands, incorporating four foliate bordered cartouches; three cartouches remain vacant. The cartouche to the anterior portion bears the contemporary engraved inscription 'Northumberland Agricultural Society, Alnwick Show 1875, Awarded by His Grace the Duke of Northumberland for the best Hunter to Mr Jacob W. Annett, Ulgham, Morpeth for 'The Arrow''; this presentation inscription could be professionally removed upon request. The upper rim of this Victorian trophy cup is encompassed with a chased tied festoon decorated border, accented with impressive figural mask designs to the anterior and posterior surfaces. This impressive Victorian cup is fitted with an exceptional pair of cast sterling silver scrolling handles, ornamented to the upper portion with a griffin design, with the displayed wings creating a bifurcating upper socket. The cup is supported by a knopped pedestal and circular domed foot accented with further chased foliate ornamentation, to a stepped shaped lower portion. The interior of the cup bears the original gilding. This exceptional sterling silver trophy cup is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire. This Victorian solid silver cup with handles lends quiet authority and refined presence to any setting, whether displayed as a statement object, set upon a formal table or presented as a trophy. Dimensions Width across handles 26.8cm/10.55' Diameter of rim 15.6cm/6.14' Diameter of foot 13.3cm/5.24' Height 35cm/13.78' Weight 28.9 troy ounces/899.7g Maker: James Dixon & Sons Ltd Origin: Sheffield, England