Description:

The 1793 Doncaster Gold Cup, silver-gilt cup and cover, William Holmes London, dated 1793, retailed by Rundell and Bridge, horse and jockey finial atop acanthus-draped cover, on pedestal cup adorned with friezes depicting horses in landscape, dedication medallion opposed by medallion with classical scene of Neptune creating the horse, framed by grapevines, above leaf band and acanthus husks and round base, flanking acanthus and bellflower-capped elegant handles; medallion inscriptions read: DONCASTER CUP, 1793, RICHARD BEAUMONT ESQ and CHRISTOPHER WILSON ESQ, STEWARD; complete hallmarks, and retailer engraved, H24 1/2" W15", and 181.0ozT

Provenance: New York collection

Other Notes: The Doncaster Cup is the world''s oldest continuously regulated horse race and was first run over Cantley Common in 1766. The Ascot Gold Cup wasn''t run until 1807. Until 1831, the cup, valued at 100 guineas, was the only prize and was paid for by the stewards. In 1793, the Doncaster Cup was won by Oberon who was sired by undefeated Highflyer out of Queen Mab by Eclipse. Oberon was owned and trained by John Hutchinson who had yards at Malton and a stud at Skipton near York. Oberon was one of the three horses sold by him in 1795 for 3,000 guineas to Sir Charles Turner of Kirkleatham Hall in nearby Redcar.
Today, this over four mile race, along with the two mile Goodwood Cup and two and one half mile Ascot Gold Cup comprise Britain''s Stayers'' Triple Crown for horses capable of running longer distances. Along with the Godolphin Barb, the Highflyer-Eclipse lineage is part of the important foundation for modern Thoroughbred standards. Highflyer sired 469 winners in a 15 year period.

William Holmes
Late 18th Century racing trophy cups provided an opportunity for silversmiths to produce their highest quality work. Many important silversmiths of the time vied to produce these magnificent pieces. Holmes created the 1783 and 1793 Doncaster Gold Cups and several similar presentation cups including the important Simcoe Vasea Cup in 1797.
Pickett and Rundell
Pickett and Rundell, originally named Thread and Pickett, located at The Sign of the Salmon, 32 Ludgate Hill, was founded circa 1758. Philip Rundell joined William Pickett in 1767 and became Pickett''s business partner in 1771. William Holmes supplied a number of racing cups to Pickett and Rundell. It is interesting to note the similarities between the present cup and the Tredegar Gold Cup made by Gabriel Wirgman but supplied by Pickett and Rundell to the Society for Equitable Assurances on Lives and Survivorships in 1782 (sold by Christies, London, 17 November 2009, Lot 278). The 1776 Doncaster Race Cup by Holmes is signed Pickett & Rundell (see J. Lomax, British Silver at Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall, London, no 9, pp17-19) and the 1783 Doncaster Cup (sold Christies, London, 31 May 2012 Lot 357) is by Holmes for Rundell and Bridge. On Pickett''s retirement in 1786, Rundell took a new partner, John Bridge. The firm then became known as Rundell and Bridge. Around 1804, with the addition of Rundell''s nephew, the firm''s name became Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. The new firm was a purveyor to King George III and the Prince of Wales later King George IV.

    Condition:
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July 20, 2017 11:00 AM EDT
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Charlton Hall

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