Lot Essay
The recipient of this cup, John J. Scannell, served as New York City's first Fire Commissioner from 1898 to 1901, following the incorporation of the outer boroughs. Widely known as an avid equestrian, Scannell famously purchased a thoroughbred racehorse on 31 December 1899 for the price of $26,500, the largest sum paid for a horse to that date.