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Lot Essay
This shield is recorded in the Illustrated London News of 8 June 1844, noting
"This shield, 'The Gold Cup' won at Ascot in 1844 by Lord Albermarle's Defence, was manufactured by Messrs. Hunt and Roskell, (late Storee, Mortimer, and Hunt), of Bond Street, from an original design by Mr. Howard, the execution and correction of which was superintented by Mr. Baily, R.A. ... The work is throughout a splendid specimen of chasing, and, altogether, reflects high honour upon all engaged in its design and execution. It is a truly magnificent production, and would grace the sideboard of any noble mansion in England."
The Gold cup was established in 1807 and is run every June at Ascot over a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs. The 1844 running was noteworthy for the attendance of Nicholas I of Russia, who was making a state visit to England. As Lord Albermarle had not yet named his horse after it's victory it became known as "The Emperor" in honour of the visiting monarch. In return Nicholas offered a new trophy for the race the "Emperor's Plate" and this became the title of the event from 1845-1853, a period which saw some of the most spectacular and imaginative race prizes ever commissioned.
"This shield, 'The Gold Cup' won at Ascot in 1844 by Lord Albermarle's Defence, was manufactured by Messrs. Hunt and Roskell, (late Storee, Mortimer, and Hunt), of Bond Street, from an original design by Mr. Howard, the execution and correction of which was superintented by Mr. Baily, R.A. ... The work is throughout a splendid specimen of chasing, and, altogether, reflects high honour upon all engaged in its design and execution. It is a truly magnificent production, and would grace the sideboard of any noble mansion in England."
The Gold cup was established in 1807 and is run every June at Ascot over a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs. The 1844 running was noteworthy for the attendance of Nicholas I of Russia, who was making a state visit to England. As Lord Albermarle had not yet named his horse after it's victory it became known as "The Emperor" in honour of the visiting monarch. In return Nicholas offered a new trophy for the race the "Emperor's Plate" and this became the title of the event from 1845-1853, a period which saw some of the most spectacular and imaginative race prizes ever commissioned.