A GEORGE III SILVER-GILT TWO-HANDLED CUP AND COVER, BENJAMIN SMITH, RETAILED BY ROBERT GARRARD, LONDON, 1814

detachable domed cover, cast and chased borders of stiff foliage, key pattern and scrolled foliage and flowerheads, the body applied with a laurel leaf cartouche enclosing an engraved inscription, the foot engraved R. GARRARD. PANTON STREET FECIT.

Sir Charles Henry Tempest, 1st Bt. (1834 - 1894), thence by descent to Ethel Mary Tempest (1869 - 1937) who married Miles Stapleton, 10th Lord Beaumont (1850 - 1895) thence by descent.

Overall good condition, minor dents below lip; foot, stem and lid have been bent and need straightening; finial rosette is not marked but is clearly contemporary.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

'A fine course has been obtained for the Grand Military and the Rugby Hunt Steeple Chases within two miles of Rugby, the line being entirely grass, and the whole of it visible from the winning field. The meeting is fixed for the 16th and 17th March [1863], when, among other prizes, a Challenge Cup will be run for, the gift of Sir Humphrey De Trafford.' (The Preston Guardian, Preston, Saturday, 28 February 1863, p. 2f)

'RUGBY HUNT and GRAND MILITARY Steeple Chases. . . . Tuesday [17 March 1863]. . . . Strange to relate, the concluding race was won by a horse called Merrimac, who with It's All Over shared the premiership in the quotations, but as Bridesmaid and Lady of Garaye were both backed at short odds, the Bookmakers could not have sustained much harm by the result.' (The Era, London, Sunday, 22 March 1863, p. 5a)

Eight horses ran in the Scurry Steeple Chase, to which the above reports refer, the first four of which past the post were Merrimac, Lady of La Gayrae, Lady Lovel and Mary Ann. Merrimac, owned by a Mr. Temple, won by three lengths.