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Racing Cup 1980-205
Two-Handled Cup and Cover, The Richmond Cup of 1776
Racing Cup 1980-205

Two-Handled Cup and Cover, The Richmond Cup of 1776

Date1776
Marked by Daniel Smith & Robert Sharp
Retailed by Pickett & Rundell (active 1777-1785)
OriginEngland, London
MediumSilver; gold (silver-gilt)
DimensionsOH: 19"; OW: 12 3/4"; OD (with lid): 7 3/8"; OD (at base): 5 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1980-205,A&B
DescriptionRaised body of urn form with drawn and applied moldings at rim above a broad cast and applied running band of lyre design on a matted ground embellished with anthemia and husk tendrils and bordered below with narrow band of cast and applied beading; cast oval wreath-framed plaques applied on opposite sides of body depicting two competing jockeys on horses in full stride in one and two competing centaurs in full stride in the other; large entwined serpent handles cast in sections and attached to opposite sides of body with their heads holding rings supporting cast and applied drapery swags which encircle the body and cradle the pictorial plaques; cast plaques on either side attached between upper and lower handle attachments of the arms of the town of Richmond and its seal; lower part of body chased in relief with a large calyx of matted acanthus leaves; intervening cast strap work collar incorporating leaf medallions between body and base; tall circular pedestal base of trumpet form with plain polished surfaces with chased convex acanthus leaf band inset at shoulder.

"HENY. PIERSE, CHAS. DUNDAS ESQRS STEWARDS 1776." engraved on one side of rim of body and "WON BY TUBEROSE." engraved on the other. "Pickett & Rundell, Fecit." engraved on underside of base.

Cover of circular plan surmounted by cast figural finial of the winged angel of victory with horn upheld in right hand and laurel wreath held at side in left hand with rectangular tang extending down through top of cover and secured on underside by a shaped rectangular nut; angel supported on a spool-shaped pedestal with cast and applied beading top and bottom and cast and applied laurel wreath banding at waist; cover flares dramatically from base of pedestal to rim with large calyx of acanthus leaves chased in relief and matted on a polished ground; case and applied acanthus leaf border at rim of cover with plain bezel below.

Label TextThe Richmond Races in Yorkshire occasioned the production of a series of splendid gilt cups during the second half of the eighteenth century. Mainly the work of the prominent London firm of Daniel Smith and Robert Sharp, they are of consummate artistic merit and the most fastidious workmanship. The cups not only constitute one of the most important groups of English racing prizes, but are also among the major examples of early neoclassical silver.


A series of gilded silver horse racing trophies was produced during the second half of the 18th century for the Richmond Races in Yorkshire, England. Tuberose won this early neoclassical example in 1776.
InscribedEngraved on rim of body: "HENY. PIERSE, CHAS. DUNDAS ESQRS STEWARDS 1776." and "WON BY TUBEROSE."

Engraved on inside rim of base: "Pickett & Rundell, Fecit."

MarkingsMarked in relief on edge of base and on bezel of cover: 1) sponsor's mark "D•S" with "R" above and "S" below within a quatrefoil [Grimwade 1990, #508];2) lion passant; 3) leopard's head crowned; and 4) date letter "a" for 1776-1777.

Provenanceretailed by the firm of Pickett and Rundell (William Pickett and Philip Rundell)
Vendor: Kenneth Davis, London