ANTIQUE 19THC GEORGIAN SOLID SILVER MASSIVE CUP & COVER, BENJAMIN SMITH C.1809
19th Century Georgian Silver cup and cover, richly gilt, campana-form, the tapering body is applied with two cast handles modelled like twirling snakes and with a band of scrolling foliage, the matching cover is applied with a band of acorn leaves and surmounted by a cast finial modelled like a horse, particularly large and detailed. Hallmarked English silver (925), London, year 1809 (O), Maker's mark BSIS for Benjamin Smith II & James Smith III.
Reference Number: A2554
Description
Antique early-19th Century Georgian Solid Silver cup and cover, massive size and extremely heavy gauge (4060 grams), richly gilt, campana-form, the tapering body is applied with two cast handles modelled like twirling snakes and with a band of scrolling foliage, the matching cover is applied with a band of acorn leaves and surmounted by a cast finial modelled like a horse, particularly large and detailed. The front bearing a memorial inscription "Presented to John Duthy Esq. by the President and Members of the Hampshire Agricultural Society (...)".
This is an extremely large and heavy piece, exceptionally rare and magnificent and made and retailed by great Royalty-related firms, due to the large size it can be used as a wine or champagne cooler. The trophy comes with a wooden stand. Each part is fully Hallmarked English silver (925 Standard), London, year 1809 (O), Maker's mark BSIS (Benjamin Smith II & James Smith III).
Benjamin and James Smith were important silversmiths, working at the same level of Paul Storr, specializing in impressive presentation pieces and services. Many extraordinary pieces are in the Royal Collection (please follow this link to the Royal Collection to see a similar cooler bought by George IV) and Museums (please follow this link to the Victoria & Albert Museum). The cover is further stamped "MAKEPEACE & HARKER FACERUNT", suggesting that the trophy has been manufactured for and retailed by the important firm Makepeace & Harker.
Condition
In Great Condition - no damage.
Size
Height (without stand): 40.5cm
Height (with stand): 48cm
Width: 23.5cm
Weight: 4060g