Lloyd's Coffee House: A George III silver two-handled presentation cup and cover, John Scofield, retailed by Green and Ward, London, 1795

urn form on pedestal foot, reeded handles terminating in an acanthus leaf, the center with presentation inscription surrounded by military trophies, engraved along lip of cover "Green and Ward Fect. Ludgate Hill London"

dings to body and lid, otherwise good
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Inscription reads "Lloyds Coffee House. A Tribute of Respect from his Country to CAPTN. WALTER SMITH OF THE MARINES for his gallant conduct in his MAJESTY'S SHIP The Bellerophon on the ever memorable 1st of June 1794 when the French Fleet was defeated by the British fleet under the Command OF ADMIRAL EARL HOWE. John Julius Angerstein Chairman."

Formed in 1688 by Edward Lloyd, Lloyd’s Coffee House became a common meeting place for ship-owners, merchants and sailors who would exchange information and arrange insurance through brokers for their ships and cargo. The first recorded subscription fund seems to be £7,000 raised for the survivors and dependents from the loss of the Royal George in 1782. The early years of the French Revolutionary war were difficult at sea, with setbacks and losses of ships and cargoes, so it was a cause for National celebration when in 1794 Admiral Earl Howe's fleet defeated the French off Ushant in the Battle afterwards known as "The Glorious First of June". At a special meeting held at Lloyd's, 1,000 Guineas was raised in less than an hour, which soon rose to £21,000 from Public Subscriptions, for the crews of Howe's fleet. Aside from awards to the injured and dependents, presentations of plate were also made for meritorious service. Walter Smith, captain of marines, who was injured in battle was one of the recipients of plate. Lloyd's of London have a soup tureen with an almost identical inscription in their collection. John Julius Angerstein was Chairman of Lloyd's from 1790-96. In 1803 the raising of subscriptions was formalised from its previous ad hoc basis with the formation of the Lloyd's Patriotic Fund, which continued to support and reward Officers and crews of the Royal Navy.