~ Victorian Silver Military Trophy – Adjutant’s Cup ~
A smart, inscribed silver cup raised on a simple base with two scrolled handles mounted either side.
This is not only an attractive piece of Victorian silverware, but an interesting piece of militaria, commemorating the merits of some of the Royal British Army’s most outstanding units, notably excellence in team performance and “esprit de corps”.
Adjutants competed in exhausting trials that tested speed, strength, endurance, wits, tactical examination and of course, the accuracy with their rifle.
The name of the very first winning company is inscribed in prime position above the central band, along with the date of the award (1894) and Major C. A. Lamb who presented it .
Being a “perpetual” trophy, the consecutive winning teams are listed on the reverse side of the cup with the years they held it right up to the date of 1912.
This cup also retains some other interesting history with further inscriptions added after the upset of WW1. It appears that in the 20s, this cup was awarded as the Section Efficiency Cup to competing companies.
The hallmarks reveal that this was made by the silversmith brothers Daniel & John Wellby of London in 1894 (DW & JW in line, Rampant lion, Leopard, T)
~ Dimensions ~
Overall the trophy is 5 inches high (12.5 cm) with a cup depth of 4 inches (10 cm).
The base has a diameter of 3 inches (7.5 cm) and at the widest point (from handle to handle) it is 7.5 inches (19cm).
It weighs 430g.
~ Condition ~
Excellent.
As this is as a presentation piece, without domestic use, it shows little or no signs of wear.
The inscriptions and hallmarks are very clear.
No dents what so ever and minimal tarnishing.
#4362