Lot 63: George II Sterling Silver Presentation Cup, “Adlington Robbery”

English George III Presentation Sterling Silver Trophy Cup with double C scroll handles, hallmarked for John Langland I, Newcastle, 1760-68, decorated in repousse floral and scroll decoration and raised on an acanthus chased circular foot. Central cartouches to each side, one engraved PRESENTED TO MR. JOHN HENSCHALL BY SUBSCRIBERS TO THE WYATT FUND; the other engraved IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HIS MERITORIOUS CONDUCT IN ASSISTING AT THE CAPTURE OF THE ADLINGTON ROBBERS FEB. 11 1848. Measures 6 1/2 in H x 10 in W x 12 in D. 18.56 oz troy. The cup is accompanied by a circa 1930 newspaper clipping from an unknown source, picturing the cup and describing the circumstances behind the inscription, which began when two armed robbers attacked a tradesman traveling on a road near Macclesfield. The victim reportedly sought help from Mr. Henschall, the landlord of the nearby Legh Arms, who lent aid and promptly rounded up a group of men working at a nearby quarry to go after the robbers. One of these volunteers, William Wyatt, was fatally wounded in the ensuing standoff with the robbers, and his brother Thomas Wyatt received “a bullet through his arm” before the villains were eventually captured. According to the article, “the tragic event created tremendous interest throughout Cheshire and the adjoining counties, while such sympathy was aroused as resulted in a fund of some thousands of pounds being subscribed to compensate the Wyatt families, while from such a sum was set apart an amount for the purchase of a loving cup in recognition of the prompt and effective assistance rendered by Mr. Henschall.” The article goes on to describe the cup, and states “The cup was recently purchased at an auction at Bradley Mount, Prestbury, near Macclesfield, by–” but unfortunately is clipped off at that point, omitting any further account of the cup’s years between 1848 and the date of the article’s publication. 

PROVENANCE: The collection of Ronnie Steine, by descent from his parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Steine, Nashville. 

CONDITION: Possible repair to one or both handles, otherwise excellent condition.