Edwardian Walker & Hall Sterling Silver Two-Handled Trophy Cup
Trophy/Cup (Hollowware) · Walker & Hall (Silversmiths & Cutlers), Sheffield, established 1845; a premier British firm known for high-quality production and royal warrants.
Pattern: Classic Campana-form Presentation Cup; non-patterned bespoke trophy design common to the Edwardian through Art Deco periods.
Type
Trophy/Cup (Hollowware)
Maker
Walker & Hall (Silversmiths & Cutlers), Sheffield, established 1845; a premier British firm known for high-quality production and royal warrants.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark; solid construction throughout with no weighted base visible.
Dimensions
Estimated height 15-20cm; estimated weight 250-350 grams (8-11 troy oz) based on standard gauge for this size of presentation cup.
Description
A fine example of early 20th-century British athletic silver. This cup was awarded at King William's College in 1911 for the 'Half Mile in Sea' race, won by R. J. Lowcock. The engraving is executed in a delicate copperplate script with gothic influences.
Key Features
Distinctive Sheffield hallmarks for Walker & Hall; specific localized provenance (King William's College, Isle of Man); unusual maritime athletic event engraving.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark; solid construction throughout with no weighted base visible.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with commemorative script engraving; features a knopped stem and applied double-scroll handles. The style is late Edwardian Neoclassical.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Full Sheffield hallmarks: 'W&H' in a quatrefoil (Walker & Hall), Lion Passant (British Sterling), Crown (Sheffield Assay Office), and date letter 'p' (1907) or 'u' (1912) likely 1910-1911 based on engraving.
Construction Details
Spun bowl and base with cast knop and cast handles; handles are hand-soldered to the main body with visible heat-stop padding points.
Functional Features
Open loving-cup design with two handles for formal presentation; flared rim for ease of drinking or display; wide pedestal base for stability.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver double-scroll handles with thumb rests; attached at the rim and mid-body for ergonomic weight distribution.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship combined with hand-finishing; the symmetry of the handles and the sharpness of the hallmarks indicate an expert workshop.
Authentication Indicators
Deeply struck authentic Sheffield hallmarks; engraving depth consistent with early 20th-century hand-shaving; natural oxidation in crevices; period-accurate Walker & Hall logo.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England; manufactured in the Howard Street works of Walker & Hall, one of the most technologically advanced silver factories of its time.
Era & Period
Edwardian Period (1901-1910); transitioning into the early King George V era. It reflects the era's focus on athletic achievement and school tradition.
Age Estimate
Circa 1911; the hallmark date letter aligns with the engraved date of 1911 for the King William's College athletic event.
Cultural Significance
Represents the British tradition of 'Schoolboy Silver,' where athletic prowess was immortalized in precious metal to promote character and sporting excellence.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. Visible surface scratches and minor fire scale/tarnish. Some evidence of heavy polishing wear near the hinges. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$400 - $700 USD; value is derived from the silver weight, maker prestige, and the specific historical interest of the school's athletic history.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and a high-quality cream like Wright's. Avoid silver dips which can strip the internal oxidation from the engraving, making it harder to read.
Similar Pieces
Elkington & Co. trophy cups (higher price point), silver-plated EPNS trophies (lower value), or early Gorham American trophies (different marking system).
Interesting Facts
King William's College is a prestigious independent school on the Isle of Man; 'Half Mile in Sea' refers to a traditional open-water swimming race which remains part of the school's historic lore.