An American Silver Yachy Trophy, Tiffany & Co., New York, circa 1898

of amphora form, the body etched with a wide band of seaweed, one side depicting a ship racing scene, the other with rope-tied crossed burgees and presentation inscriptions, the neck with band of running lily pads, reeded loop handles, supported on a stepped circular base and fluted stem

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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The etched presentation inscription reads: "The Thousand Islands Yacht Club Cup Presented by S.R. Van Duzer won by Gilbert T. Rafferty Yacht Flirt Aug 23rd 1898."  The cup is also inscribed: " C.M. Englis Yacht Challenger Aug 16th 1899" and "Final Winner C.M. Englis Yacht Challenger August 15th 1900."

A New York Times Article published on 23 August 1903 stipulates that the Thousand Islands Yacht Club's Commodore's Cup, which was presented to the winner of the Club 's annual invitational race, "must be won two years by the same contestant before it becomes the personal property of the winner and can be taken from the clubhouse."  Presumably, the present lot became the personal property of Mr. C.M. Englis, as Mr. Englis won in both 1899 and 1900.

The presenter of the Cup, Selah Reeve Van Duzer (1823-1903) was a prominent wholesale druggist with premises in New York City at 35 Barclay Street and 40 Park Place.  His products included Mrs. Allen's Hair Restorer and Mrs. Allen's Zylo Balsamum described as "a lovely tonic and hair dressing".  He maintained residences in Thomasville, GA and Alexandria Bay, NY.  A silver child's set given by Mr. Van Duzer to his grandaughter in 1889 is to be offered as lot 374 in this sale.

The 1898 winner of the Cup, Gilbert T. Rafferty, was a commodore of the Club in the early 20th century.  Mr. Rafferty was an established coke and coal manufacturer in Pittsburgh, whose fortune in 1906 was estimated at $20,000,000.  The Rafferty family had homes in Pittsburgh and Thousand Islands, but Mr. Rafferty reportedly spent the majority of his time at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.