A Victorian silver-gilt ewer, R. & S. Garrard, London, 1838

on circular domed foot, cast and chased with classical masks and stylised foliage on a matted ground, the baluster body with pierced scroll handle chased with further masks and foliage, with everted lip with Venus' mask beneath, cast and chased overall with acanthus foliage, masks and strapwork cartouches on a matted ground, two cartouches with horses cast in high relief and one engraved, 'RICHMOND RACES 1839' further engraved under the foot 'BEESWING' the base stamped 'GARRARDS PANTON STREET LONDON'

William Orde (d. 1843) thence by decent
Christie's London 25 November 1992, lot 18

 

(Illustrated London News, 24 September 1842, p. 309)

One small dent in the centre of the body next to the cartouche, and lip is slightly bent. Otherwise in 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."

R. & S. Garrard & co, together with their rivals Hunt & Roskell, were one of the main suppliers of sporting cups and trophies in the 1840s to ' 60s. Amongst the most important cups that Garrards produced were those for Ascot, Doncaster and the Goodwood races.
The ewer on offer here was a race prize for Beeswing, one of  the most famous race horses in British history. Affectionately known to the public as "t' ould mare", she won 54 races by the end of career in 1842.

Beeswing was bred in 1833 by William Orde esq. of Nunnykirk, Northumberland and owned by him. Upon his death in 1843, he was suceeded by his nephew Charles William Orde. When William Orde was once asked if he would ever part with Beeswing, he responded that "she was the property of the people of Newcastle, and never should be otherwise". After winning the Doncaster cup three times in 1841, 1842 and 1843, some of her northern contemporaries were prepared to take lengthy bets that she would win the next three.

Two other race cups, won by Beeswing and belonging to D.J. Orde Esq., were sold in these rooms on 27th March 1969, lots 89 and 90.

In 1842, Illustrated London News listed the following "'Cups and Stakes won by "Beeswing:" - In 1835, at Doncaster, the Champagne Stakes; at Richmond (Yorkshire), the Sweepstakes. - 1836, at Newcastle, the St. Leger and the Gold Cup. - 1837, at Newcastle, the Gold Cup; Doncaster, the Cleveland Stakes and the Gold Shield; Richmond (Yorkshire), walked over for the Gold Cup and the Plate; Northallerton, walked over for the Gold Cup. - 1838, at Catterick Bridge, the Gold Cup; Newcastle, the Craven Stakes, a piece of Plate, and the Gold Cup; Doncaster, the Fitzwilliam Stakes, a piece of Plate, and the Gold Cup; Doncaster, the Fitzwilliam Stakes; Northallerton, walked over for her Majesty's Purse. - 1839, at Catterick Bridge, won the Craven Stakes and the Gold Cup; Newcastle, the Craven Stakes and Gold Cup; York, the Queen's Plate; Stockton, the Gold Cup; Richmond (Yorkshire), walked over for the Gold Cup, and won her Majesty's Plate; Doncaster, the Fitzwilliam Stakes; - 1840, at Catterick Bridge, the Gold Cup; Newcastle, the Craven Stakes; Lancaster, the Aston Stakes and the Cup Stakes; York, the Queen's Plate and her Majesty's Plate; Doncaster, the Fitzwilliam Stakes and the Cup, also the 50 Sovs. given by the Caledonian Hunt. - 1841, at Chester, the Trial Stakes and the Stand Cup; Newcastle, the Gold Cup; Stockton, the Gold Cup; Doncaster, walked over for the Doncaster Stakes, won the Cup, the Hornby-Castle Stakes; Richmond (Yorkshire), the Gold Cup and her Majesty's Plate. - 1842, at Chester, the Queen's 100 guineas; Ascot, the Gold Cup; Newcastle, the Gold Cup; and at Doncaster, the Gold Cup.'