ANTIQUE 20thC EDWARDIAN SOLID SILVER MASSIVE TROPHY VASE COOLER, ELKINGTON c1910
20th Century Edwardian Silver massive decorative trophy vase / wine cooler, massive size and exceptionally heavy, on a square base, the body is chased and applied with a Classical frieze depicting a procession with figures and a chariot pulled by snakes, probably a scene from the Greek mythology representing Medea.
Hallmarked English silver (925), London, year 1910 (p), Maker's mark E&Co for Elkington & Co.
Reference Number: A3077
DESCRIPTION
Antique early-20th Century rare and impressive Edwardian Solid Silver massive decorative trophy vase / wine cooler, massive size and exceptionally heavy (the vase alone is 3490 grams), on a square base, the body is chased and applied with a Classical frieze depicting a procession with figures and a chariot pulled by snakes, probably a scene from the Greek mythology representing Medea (subject of a famous tragedy and play by Euripides, please follow this link). The shape is inspired by antique Greek vases, with cast handles flanked by swan's heads, applied border.
The vase has been later adapted as a trophy, the base bearing a memorial inscription: "Presented to Hugh Kershaw, Esq., by the Officials & Employees of Mssrs Hugh Kersham & Sons Ltd. Spring Bank Mills Mosley. To celebrate "Music Hall's" success in the Grand National, March 24th 1922".
The Grand National is the National Hunt horse race held annually in Liverpool, the most important and valuable jump race in Europe, with a prize fund of £1 million in 2015. This trophy was given to the winner of 1922 Grand National, "Music Hall" (chased on the base), ridden by jockey Lewis Rees and owned by Hugh Kershaw, who collected the impressive winner's price of £5000 (please follow this link).
The vase is set on a ebonized wood plinth, one side applied with a plaque chased with a horse (Music Hall), the other applied with two medallions hand painted with aerial views of a factory (Hugh Kersham's factory).
The vase is Hallmarked English silver (925 standard), London, year 1910 (p), Maker's mark E&Co (Elkington & Co, extremely important silversmith specializing in highly decorative silverware, Royal silversmith and winner of numerous prizes in Internation exhibitions).
The plinth's plaque is also fully Hallmarked English silver (925 standard), Birmingham, year 1920 (x), also by Elkington & Co.
CONDITION
In Great condition - No damage, just general wear.
SIZE
Total Height (on plinth): 51.5cm
Vase's Height: 34cm
Width: 26.5 x 21cm
Silver Weight: 3490g