The Severn Cup: A Victorian silver presentation ewer and stand, Stephen Smith & Son, London, 1875

the ewer with leaf and scroll-capped angular handle and rim embellished with acorns, the body applied with two oval plaques depicting episodes from Shakespeare's The Tempest; one, portraying Prospero and Miranda standing over a kneeling Caliban; the other, featuring Ferdinand among musical angels, within beaded borders and set between two embossed oval cartouches engraved: Shrewsbury Races 1875 The Severn Cup, to one, and Won By Thunder 5yrs to the other; the parcel-gilt circular stand applied with four similar plaquettes: one, depicting Miranda and Ferdinand playing chess; another, also depicting the two lovers; the third, with Prospero and Ariel; and one, portraying Prospero and Miranda during a stormy sea crossing, all within beaded rims and applied between alternating floral bosses 

Marks clear to ewer, stand and panels. Parcel-gilding intact. The frontal engraved cartouche on ewer with bruise to centre. Otherwise 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."

For a similar example of works of this scale featuring plaquettes from the plays of Shakespeare, see Sotheby's Belgravia, 29 June 1972, lot 127: a pair of silver-gilt wall plaques, Alexander Crichton, London, 1878. Both were decorated with episodes from A Midsummer Night's Dream.

For a comparable trophy vase, also Stephen Smith & Son, see Sotheby’s, London, 18 June 1970, lot 226A. The plaquettes on this example were attributed to an otherwise unknown artist by the name of W. Allard with the style very similar to the panels of the present lot. The style of these panels is also similar to that of a small silver plaque, Frederick Brasted, London, 1879, and signed ‘W. Allard,’ sold in these rooms, 3 July 1969, lot 235.