An American silver two-handled centerpiece bowl, Black, Starr & Frost, New York, circa 1900

oval, on shaped foot with scrolling foliate rim, the openwork everted rim formed as berried laurel with a branch-form rim, each side applied with a horse head within a horseshoe, snaffle bit and crop, and flanked by two saddles, the loop handles applied with matching laurel branches, the interior engraved with presentation inscriptions

Capt. Samuel S. Brown (1842-1905);
W. Harry Brown (1856-1921), his brother;
Mary Alice Brown Painter (1893-1953), his daughter;
Alice Brown Painter Thompson (1921-2015), her daughter;
By descent to present owner

some small dings and surface scratches throughout, foot slightly uneven so it wobbles a bit, overall good condition, nice heavy weight
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.

Captain Samuel S. Brown, born in Pittsburgh to a wealthy coal mining family and who served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, was a passionate breeder and racer of Thoroughbred horses in the Kentucky Bluegrass region. In 1884, he purchased a half-interest in the horse breeding operations, stables and racetracks of one of the legendary promoters of American Thoroughbred racing, Captain William Cottrill (1817-1887). That same year, their horse Buchanan won the 10th Kentucky Derby, and in 1893, Brown's horse Lookout won the 19th Kentucky Derby. 

Brown founded the Jockey Club in 1894 along with William K. Vanderbilt, George Peabody Wetmore, William C. Whitney, and other Thoroughbred owners. After purchasing six yearlings for $26,400 at the Fasig-Tipton Auction, Brown purchased McGrathiana Farm in Lexington, KY in 1902 and renamed it Senorita Stud after his favorite mare. It was then that he probably acquired the offered silver bowl. The year of his death, his horse Agile won the Kentucky Derby, which was a befitting conclusion to his lifetime passion.

In 1953, this family heirloom was turned into the "Mary Alice Brown Painter Memorial Challenge Trophy, Family Class," Sewickley, Pennsylvania Hunt Horse Show, since Mary had been an avid rider and lover of horses. From 1953 to 1989, the names of the winners of the Challenge were engraved inside the bowl.