A Victorian presentation silver horse racing trophy
Robert Hennell, London 1863
Of circular compressed bowl form, a domed pull-off cover topped by a naturalistically cast mare and her foal to form the finial, the pair applied to an embossed grass-like matt circular base surrounded by a beaded trim, stepped and flaring out to form the gently curved cover, repoussé and shallow chased in regular floral and scrolling motifs, also repeated on the bowl, the pedestal base formed by an elongated multiple knopped stem, on a stepped and moulded domed foot, a stylistic repetitive leaf-like motif embossed to the border, all stood on a black wooden circular plinth, silver beading around the top and bottom and a silver applied cartouche front and back inscribed 'The Governor's Cup, PRESENTED BY SIR WILLIAM DENISON KCB, RED HAZARD, MADRAS, January 20th 1866' and 'Beating King Arthur, KNIGHT TEMPLAR, Van Dieman, PALMERSTON', stamped Robert Hennell, London 1862, height 41cm, weight without plinth 95oz.