ANTIQUE 20THC IRISH SOLID SILVER PAIR OF MAGNIFICENT ARMADA JUGS, DUBLIN C.1901
20th Century unique pair of Irish Silver "Armada" pattern ewers, each exceptionally large and heavy, with scroll handle, the hinged lid has an ornate finial and opens squeezing the handle trigger, baluster body, domed circular foot, the body is profusely decorated in relief with embossed flowers, foliage and scrolls on a matted ground, the body also features two cartouches flanked by cast winged mermaid and mermen, and a cast leopard's head at belly front. Hallmarked Irish silver (925), Dublin, year 1901 (F), Maker's mark W for West & Son.
Reference Number: A3722
20th Century unique pair of Irish Silver "Armada" pattern ewers, each exceptionally large and heavy, with scroll handle, the hinged lid has an ornate finial and opens squeezing the handle trigger, baluster body, domed circular foot, the body is profusely decorated in relief with embossed flowers, foliage and scrolls on a matted ground, the body also features two cartouches flanked by cast winged mermaid and mermen, and a cast leopard's head at belly front. Hallmarked Irish silver (925), Dublin, year 1901 (F), Maker's mark W for West & Son.
Reference Number: A3722
20th Century unique pair of Irish Silver "Armada" pattern ewers, each exceptionally large and heavy, with scroll handle, the hinged lid has an ornate finial and opens squeezing the handle trigger, baluster body, domed circular foot, the body is profusely decorated in relief with embossed flowers, foliage and scrolls on a matted ground, the body also features two cartouches flanked by cast winged mermaid and mermen, and a cast leopard's head at belly front. Hallmarked Irish silver (925), Dublin, year 1901 (F), Maker's mark W for West & Son.
Reference Number: A3722
DESCRIPTION
Antique early-20th Century unique pair of Irish Solid Silver "Armada" pattern ewers, each exceptionally large and heavy, with scroll handle, the hinged lid has an ornate finial and opens squeezing the handle trigger, baluster body, domed circular foot, the body is profusely decorated in relief with embossed flowers, foliage and scrolls on a matted ground, the body also features two cartouches flanked by cast winged mermaid and mermen, and a cast leopard's head at belly front.
Each jug is engraved "First Prize, Newport Series 1903, COLUMBIA, CONSTITUTION, RELIANCE won by RELIANCE", the feet is further engraved "PRESENTED BY COMMODORE LEDYARD", and each body further engraved with the NEW YORK YACHT CLUB (N.Y.Y.C).
The pair of jugs are exceptionally important sailing memorabilia. During the Newport Series competition Reliance has been selected by the New York Yacht Club commettee (held by the ex-Commodore Lewis Ledyard) to challenge Shamrock III in the 1903's America's Cup. Reliance remains the largest race sloop ever built.
Please follow this link to a painting by A.D. Blake representing this race, and follow this link to a 1903's Chicago Tribune article.
Each part is fully Hallmarked Irish silver (925 standard), Dublin, year 1901 (F), Maker's mark crowned W (West & Son, one of the most important Irish silver manufacturers).
CONDITION
In Great Condition - no damage.
SIZE
Height (each): 39.7cm
Width (each): 17 x 16.5cm
Combined Weight: 2830g