Agricultural interest – A Victorian provincial sterling silver trophy cup, Exeter 1877 by Josiah Williams & Co

Of goblet form with rounded base bowl upon a circular knopped foot. The bowl with an embossed band of rosette lozenges within circular reserves against a matted ground, also with engine turned arabesque scrolls. One side engraved with presentation inscription “Royal Agricultural Society of England The Lancefield perpetual challenge cup offered by the Oxford Down Sheep Breeders Association for the best Oxford Down male exhibit”. Two panels of dated winner 1965-93. Traces of gilding to interior. Fully marked to rim. Together with a modern silver mounted plinth, Birmingham 1994, engraved with winner 1994-2009. (2)

Height of cup alone – 31 cm / 12.25 inches

Weight of cup alone – 934 grams / 30.01 ozt

It is rather rare to find Victorian holloware marked for Exeter, which closed in 1883.

The Oxford Down Sheep Breeders Association (ODSBA) was established in 1889.