A Victorian silver two handled presentation cup
by Atkin Bros., Sheffield 1879
The presentation cartouche bordered by floral scrolls and garlands, leaf capped handles, raised on a knopped stem to a spreading foot, cased, height 35cm, weight 42.5oz.
The presentation cartouche bordered by floral scrolls and garlands, leaf capped handles, raised on a knopped stem to a spreading foot, cased, height 35cm, weight 42.5oz.
Sold for
£937
inc. premium
Footnotes
- Inscribed "Presented to Captain A.Mc.Lean Wait, by members of the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce and others. In recognition of his able and gallant conduct on the occasion of the foundering of the Union Royal Mail Steamer, American. On the 23rd April 1880."
The "American" was a 2474 ton steamship that broke her propeller shaft on route from Southampton to Cape Town on the 23rd April 1880, causing her to take on water near Cape Palmas and eventually sank. Captain Waite was highly commended for his coolness and professionalism in saving the lives of the passengers and crew, including ordering breakfast for all before they took to the lifeboats.
Many of the passengers then boarded the "Senegal" to continue their passage, she ran aground off Grand Canary with the loss of one life.
Copies of the South Africa newspaper articles relating to the story, dated January 18th and 25th 1913, are included with the cup.
Category: Decorative Arts / Silver
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