Victorian Scottish Silverplate 1874 National Dog Show Trophy

Found at a silver market in the north of England, we are pleased to present this gleaming Victorian Scottish Silverplate National Dog Show Trophy, given as a significant and lasting souvenir for an impressive first place showing in 1874.

Expertly engraved in a lovely font with the following inscription:

Scottish National Dog Show
Glasgow May 1874
First Prize Awarded To
Mr. P. Priestly
For His Setter Dog
SAM

Dating back to Newcastle, England in 1859 when 27 Setters and 23 Pointers exhibited their best features as an adjunct to the annual poultry and cattle show, Confirmation Shows or Dog Shows as they are more commonly known, have remained eternally fascinating to the public. In fact, this first event proved so popular that the following year 30 non-sporting breeds were added for a total of 267 entries judged in 42 classes. By the end of the 1860s, national dog shows in England routinely drew more than 20,000 live spectators. From the very beginning, elaborate trophies honoring the winning owners and their companions were routinely presented to proud victors.

Sure to have held pride of place in the family home for generations, this statuesque silverplate trophy, with its loving cup silhouette, rises elegantly from a graceful pedestal. Embellished with fine silverwork on the handles, removable lid, and base, the trophy culminates with an articulated finial in the figure of a noble hound. Regally posed upon the lid overlooking the fine craftsmanship of this exquisite award, the majestic canine oversees a bold mixture of complementary motifs which combine seamlessly into the cup's grand design. 

Nearly dripping with sumptuous details, each side of the trophy displays a handsome medallion surrounded by vast ornamentation. Creating a festoon effect, the shapely handles with their articulated geometric pattern and sweet finials, flow upwards in exclamation before appearing to cascade towards the pedestal base. Undoubtedly a storied artifact from the earliest decades of Dog Show exhibitions, this jubilant trophy stands triumphant awaiting its next presentation - to your very own top dog! 

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. 10.5"H x 7.5" at widest point. In very good antique condition.