Lot 148
  • 148

A Victorian silver cup, R. & S. Garrard & Co, London, 1857

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description

  • 40cm, 15 3/4 in high
stepped quatrefoil base embossed and chased with scrolls, bosses, flowers and foliage, similarly decorated knopped stem supporting two winged angels holding a crown and a garland of flowers on either side above drapery swags, one armorial engraved within a rococo cartouche, the other blank, the detachable circular bowl embossed and chased on the outside with scrolling flowers and foliage amongst geometric cartouches, all surmounted by a classically draped angel holding a garland of laurel leaves, the base stamped R&S GARRARD PANTON ST. LONDON

Condition

With some traces of old gilding throughout, otherwise in overall good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

The arms are those of Great Britain with Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in pretence in a lozenge-shaped cartouche for one of the daughters of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Because of the absence of a label of difference it is not possible to state categorically which daughter this may have been. In view of the date of the cup, however, and the fact that it shows traces of original gilding, the most likely candidate is Princess Beatrice, her parents' fifth daughter and youngest child.

 

Princess Mary Victoria Feodore was born at Buckingham Palace, London, on 14 April 1857. Her christening took place in the Private Chapel there on 16 June following, attended by an illustrious gathering of family members and guests including the child's godparents: her maternal grandmother, the Duchess of Kent, her eldest sister, the Princess Royal, and the latter's fiancé, Prince Friedrich William of Prussia.

 

There can be little doubt that Princess Beatrice received this cup as a christening gift from one of her aforementioned godparents.

 

In its report, the Illustrated London News (20 June 1857, p. 593) gave an exhaustive description of the clothes worn at the ceremony. While Princess Beatrice was dressed in a robe of Honiton lace over white satin, the Queen wore 'a while and silver moiré antique dress, trimmed with a deep flounce of Honiton lace, while tulle, and bunches of silver flowers. The top of the corsage was fringed all round with diamonds. Her Majesty also wore a diamond circlet, diamond earrings, a diamond necklace, and the ribbon of the Order of the Garter, from which was suspended a very magnificent "George" composed of brilliants.' The Duchess of Kent was attired in 'a white brocade dress, trimmed with blonde, satin ribbon, and tulle. The stomacher was ornamented with diamonds. Her Royal Highness's head-dress was formed of ostrich feathers, blonde, and white flowers, with ornaments of amethysts and diamonds.' The Princess Royal wore 'a dress of white tulle, embroidered with floss silk, over a rich glacé silk, a diamond necklace, and ornaments [with] a wreath of water-lilies round the head.'

 

Princess Beatrice, who edited Queen Victoria's journals, was married on 23 July 1885 to Prince Henry of Battenberg (1858-1896), and died on 26 October 1944.