Superb antique sterling silver agricultural trophy featuring five sheep in a landscape setting in repousse style. The trophy is hallmarked London 1757 by Benjamin Cartwright I meaning the trophy is an amazing 266 years old!
It was later presented as an agricultural prize in 1848 by the Herefordshire Conservative Member of Parliament, Francis Haggitt for the Best Fat Cow. The beautiful presentation inscription reads:
"HEREFORDSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. Presented by F.R. Haggitt Esq. M.P. for the best Fat Cow Octr. 1848".
The twin-handled trophy cup is profusely decorated on repousse stly featuring a floral pattern to the lower part of the bowl & the aforementioned five sheep in a rural setting to the upper half.
Weight: 301.1 gm. Height: 120 mm. Diameter of rim: 100 mm. Diameter of base: 75 mm. Hall Mark: London 1757. Maker's Mark: Benjamin Cartwright I.
Francis Haggitt: The person who presented the trophy was Francis Haggitt who was elected to the House Of Commons as Conservative Member of Parliament for Herefordshire in the General Election held on 29th July 1847. He lost his seat in the General Election held on 1st July 1852 having served as the MP for Herefordshire for 5 years.
Summary: Agricultural trophies dating back to the 18th century do not come much more attractive than this example. The repousse sheep are beautifully detailed and the engraving provides a little bit of history for the county of Herefordshire. Good luck!