This magnificent antique Edwardian sterling silver champagne/presentation cup has a tapering bell shaped form to a plain knopped pedestal and domed foot.
The large body of the cup is encircled with embossed reed designs above a plain girdle.
The lower portion of the body is embellished with embossed fluted ornamentation below a band of shield shaped vacant carouches alternating with stemmed reed designs.
The decoration to the cup incorporates the embossed lettering 'The J.H. Graham Challenge Cup'*; this text has been created using a characteristic typeface style for the Art Nouveau movement.
The upper portion of the cup is encompassed with a band of chased scrolling leaf and floral decoration incorporating a plain cartouche to either side, all below a plain applied moulded border.
This versatile antique champagne/presentation cup retains the original hallmarked domed push fit cover encircled with water lily bud and foliate designs, on a rippled water textured background.
The upper portion of the cover is encircled with a fluted decorated knop and surmounted with the original fine and impressive sterling silver finial realistically modelled in the form of a male in swimming trunks preparing to dive; this finial could be removed and replaced with a bespoke finial upon request.
This Edwardian champagne cup has two impressive scrolling handles, each ornamented with a tied stemmed water reed design and terminating with an intertwined design.
The upper portion of the foot is embellished with impressive embossed and chased scallop shell and seaweed designs.
This exceptional example of Edwardian silverware is fitted to the original, large and impressive circular ebonised wood plinth, encircled with a vacant silver inscription band; the band may be engraved with a personal inscription if so desired.
By virtue of its size, this versatile cup could be used as a champagne cooler or a magnificent presentation cup.
* This cup was previously presented by Northumberland A.S.C in 1976 for the Mens Short Individual Medley. The aquatic illustrations on this cup relate to a multitude of events and could be presented as an award for alternative sports to diving or swimming.
Maker: John Round & Son Ltd (Joseph Ridge)
Date: 1901
