Found at market in the north of England, we are pleased to present this fascinating collection of Antique and Vintage Silverplate English Sporting Trophy Goblets. Given as lasting prizes, the trophies are gleaming, storied treasures that speak to the camaraderie of sport.
First, Trophy A: This lovely rowing cup is engraved with the following dedication:
Chester Regatta 1874
Maiden Fours
Won by
R.C.R.C.
W. B. Bicland
W. J. Fleetwood
R. J. C. Mostyn
J. H. Dutton on Stroke
E. H. Burton, Cox
First held in 1733, the Chester Regatta holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest recorded regatta, its boats skimming the River Dee long before the sport was widely formalized. By the 19th century, the event flourished under the spirited energy of the city’s rowing clubs, chief among them the Royal Chester Rowing Club, founded in 1838. The "Maiden Fours" competition would have been for amateurs who have not yet won a race, making this trophy an especially treasured one for its recipients.
Next, Trophy B, our most mysterious trophy of this lot:
D. P. C. C.
Scratch Prize
1966
L. M. Rose
While this trophy's story is lost to the annals of history, it is certainly a handsome and stately trophy to grace any shelf.
Lastly, trophy C awarded at the storied Tonbridge School of Kent, England. Founded in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judde, Tonbridge School has a long and fascinating history. The school has links to Jane Austen (her father attended), famed cricketeer Colin Cowdrey (an Old Tonbridgian), the manufacturing of penicillin (Old Tonbridgian Norman Heatley developed a way to turn it into a usable medicine) and Downton Abbey (Dan Stevens a.k.a. Cousin Matthew is an Old Tonbridigian), among many, many others. This sleek trophy showcases the school's 19th century crest and is inscribed:
Challenge Cup
for
Single Hand Fives
1897
G. St. Q. Beasley
Fives (historically known as hand-tennis) is an English handball sport derived from jeu de paume, similar to handball, Basque pelota, and squash. The game is played in both singles and doubles teams, in an either three- or four-sided court. (Tonbridge School plays the three sided Eton version of the game.) After his school years, G. St. Q. Beasley was a businessman and served on the board of the Near East Trading Company during World War II.
Sparkling with sporting pride across the decades, these charming awards are filled with good cheer, certain to bring a winning spirit to your collection without breaking a sweat!
Each trophy cup is strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Please make your selection from the drop down menu. Trophies in very good vintage / antique condition with age appropriate wear. Trophy A: 3.25"D x 7"H. Trophy B: 4"D x 8.5"H Trophy C: 4"D x 7.5"H.
