Monumental English sterling silver figural horse Harness Racing trophy, circa 1898-99. The lid with figural horse finial to lid; urn form body with raised scrolling foliate decoration throughout, and two acanthus leaf c-scroll handles. Raised harness-racing scene within wreath cartouche to one side and presentation inscription to the other: HAVERSTOCK AMATEUR TROTTING CLUB / OPEN HANDICAP 1 1/2 MILES / WON BY STAMBELLA THE PROPERTY OF MRS DACOSTA…DRIVEN BY D. LAMBETH / WINNING JOCKEY OF THE CLUB WEMBLEY PARK / FEB 23RD 1899… Supported on a knopped stem flanked by two mythological Hippocamp or winged horse figures atop a circular pedestal foot decorated with raised foliate design. Hallmarks for Barker Bros. Birmingham, England, 1898, above inscription on body. 23 1/2″ H with lid x 18″ W at handles x 12″ D. 160.78 troy ounces. English, late 19th century. Note: This trophy appears to have been awarded the founding year of the Haverstock Amateur Trotting Club (1899). The club was short lived, “only able to hold a few meetings each year at its headquarters at Wembley Park, owing to the venue being inside 10 miles from Charing Cross and thereby coming within the restrictions of the Metropolitan Race Course Act, which prohibits the holding of race meetings within the area, except under special license from the magistrates. Another Club was therefore formed, the Essex Amateur Trotting Club, and this club secured possession of Parsloes Park, Dagenham… racing started there in 1901.” (Source: The Badminton Magazine, p. 202, Vol. 56 1921). The horse who received the trophy, Stambella, may have been related to Stamboul, known as the “champion trotting stallion of the world” (source: New York Times, Dec. 19, 1892).

PROVENANCE: Private Southern collection.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition.