MARK OF WHITING MFG. CO., PROVIDENCE, 1885

Details

A SILVER AND IVORY SHOOTING TROPHY CUP**
MARK OF WHITING MFG. CO., PROVIDENCE, 1885
Cylindrical, on a shaped oval base, the border with stylized foliage, with two scroll handles applied with stylized acanthus and leaf joins, the body ivory, with a silver collar, the body and base chased and engraved Work Cup, July 28, 1885, won by C.F. Watson, 100 Birds Killed 94, marked under base
7 7/8 in. high

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

The donor of this cup, George P. Work (1858-1900), was an avid outdoorsman and belonged to numerous social and sports clubs surrounding New York City. He was one of the best pigeon shots of the late nineteenth century and both won and sponsored many prizes.
The winner of this Work Cup was Charles F. Watson (d. 1932), a well-known sportsman. Although he was one of the founders of the National Golf Links Club at Southampton and the Racquet and Tennis Club, he was particularly known for field and trap shooting. Mr. Watson won this particular Work Cup for wild pigeon shooting in 1885 and also won the distinguished Lorillard Cup in 1883 and 1887.

Both George Work and Charles Watson were shooting members of the Westminster Kennel Club before pigeon shooting was outlawed in New York and New Jersey in 1904.

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