Silver Racing Trophy

Description:

Silver Racing Trophy, Gorham Co., Providence, Rhode Island, 1887, the urn-form trophy with a cast horse head handles, chased inscription "St. James Hotel Plate, The Gift of W. M. Conner, Won by Mr. A. J. Cassatt's The Bard; by Longfellow-dam Bradamante ridden by William Hayward, Trained by John Higgins, June 16, 1887," the obverse showing a detailed scene of a grandstand flying the American Flag, containing hundreds of spectators and the judges at the finish line of the horse race, the whole resting on a repousee renaissance banded base, the underside showing the Gorham Co. touchmark and sterling, (imperfections),weight 112 troy oz., ht. 15, wd. 15 in.

Note: The Bard (1883-1907) was an American thoroughbred champion racehorse, and was described in 1888 in the New York Times as "America's greatest racehorse." This celebrated and beloved horse dominated American horseracing in the last half of 1888. Between 1885 and 1888, The Bard won 27 races including the Preakness States in 1886 and the St. James Hotel Stakes in 1887 and 1888, earning nearly $85,000. The Bard was owned by Alexander Cassatt, president of Pennsylvania Railroad, was trained by the renowned John Higgins, and was ridden by William Hayward.
Estimate $15,000-25,000

top rim dented, dent to one side, dents underside


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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