An American Silver Punch Bowl Trophy, Dieges & Clust, Providence, RI, circa 1954

the oval bowl applied at one end with a large scrolling leaf and one side applied with SCHAEFER CUP, raised on a reel shaped base and stem formed as crashing waves and surround by three swimming swordfish, base rim applied with a presentation plaque inscribed: PRESENTED BY RUDY SCHAEFER - PRESIDENT THE F&M SCHAEFER BREWING CO., raised on an ebonized wood pedestal applied with a silver collar engraved ANNUAL PUERTO RICAN INTERNATIONAL GAME FISH TOURNAMENT and with the names of the winners

The base rim applied with a presentation plaque inscribed: PRESENTED BY RUDY SCHAEFER - PRESIDENT THE F&M SCHAEFER BREWING CO.  The bowl is raised on an ebonized wood pedestal applied with a silver collar engraved ANNUAL PUERTO RICAN INTERNATIONAL GAME FISH TOURNAMENT and with the names of the winners.

stem pushed up into the base of the bowl, 5 inch repaired split above applied word "CUP' and extending to applied leaf, underside of bowl with lead solder
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.

In 1842 the F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Company was established in New York by German-born brothers Frederick and Maximilian Schaefer.  The brothers, who had immigrated to the United States a few years earlier, brought with them a lager formula that was popular in Germany, but little-known in the States.  New Yorkers couldn't get enough of the Schaefer's "different beer", and in 1845 the company opened a brewing plant in Manhattan on 7^th Avenue at 17^th Street.

The beer had become an internationally recognized brand by the early 20^th century, and was one of the world's best selling beers until it was displaced by Budweiser in the 1970s.  The company's tagline "Schaefer is the one beer to have when you're having more than one." was made into a jingle in the mid 20^th century, and was performed by Louis Armstrong in a Schaefer television commercial.  Another advertisement declared, "What do you hear in the best of circles?  Schaefer, all around!"  Additionally, the company was at one point the sponsor of the New York Mets, and owned the naming rights to Schaefer Stadium, home to the New England Patriots, until the name was changed to Sullivan Stadium in the mid 1980s.

Schaefer became one of the most popular beers in Puerto Rico in the 1970s and 1980's, and received public acclaim from noted Puerto Rican superstars such as Frankie Ruiz, Tito Rojas and Lalo Rodriguez.  The company is currently owned by the Stroh Brewing Company, who purchased the label in 1999.