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Gorham Art Nouveau period sterling silver Rifle Shooting Trophy Cup for the General Irby Bennett NGST (National Guard State Troops) competition. The urn form trophy cup with double handles and square base features engraved stylized lettering and chased decoration of three men shooting rifles in a field to one side; the other contains an engraved list of winners of the trophy from 1909-1915. Gorham marks to underside. 12 in. H x 12 in. W (at handles) x 8 in. D. 37.1 oz troy. Note: this early 20th century trophy was awarded at a shooting competition organized by the Tennessee National Guard in 1915 or 1916. Irby Bennett (1858-1925), for whom the competition was named, was described by the Memphis Commercial Appeal as “one of the South’s foremost Sportsmen” and “a crack shot with fire arms.” He was born in Lebanon and became an executive at the Winchester Repeating Arms Company and later the Western Cartridge Company. He was also president of the Cumberland Park Jockey Club and owned “one of the south’s finest strings of race horses.” (Source: The Commercial Appeal, Irby Bennett obituary, July 14, 1925).
PROVENANCE: Private Middle Tennessee Collection.
CONDITION: There is a thin line of solder indicating a repair along with some light pitting and residue at the top of one handle, not extending below the handle. Otherwise excellent condition.
