Centre de table en argent en forme de pièce d'échec par Martin, Hall & co, Sheffield, 1891

en forme de tour, gravé d'un cimier et d'une devise, la prise en forme de roi, à décor de pions et d'échiquier

in the form of a castle or rook chess piece, crested in motto, King finial, with Knights on horseback, chess board and chess piece background

Marked on cover, body and finial, no visible erasures, good marks, interesting piece
"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."

Dans son édition du 9 Novembre 1891, le journal Liverpool Mercury, fait la description d'un centre de table correspondant au lot offert (traduction): ' ce trophée d'échecs est en argent, mesurant environ 12in de hauteur. Ciselé avec grand art [...] il est richement décoré de chevaliers symbolisant la fonction de cet objet. Sur un socle en ébène, il porte le noms des vainqueurs [....] Inventé et réalisé par Messieurs Elkington & Co, Church Street, pour la plus grande satisfaction des donateurs, il s'agit là d'une très belle pièce qui ne restera dans leur vitrine que très peu de temps.'
Il semble que plus d'un modèle ait été exécuté, voir Christie's South Kensington, 8 décembre  2009, lot 393.

An item whose description largely matches the centrepiece was recorded in the Liverpool Mercury of 9 November 1891.
`This Chess challenge trophy is made of solid silver, the piece selected being in the form of a Castle or Rook, standing with pedestal about 12 inches in height. It is chased in the highest style of art workmanship and represents the ancient stonework  of a castle, showing rough ashlar work in masonry. On either side two richly-chased Knights are introduced showing the importance they bear in relation to the game. The pedestal is of ebony with elaborate silver mountings and shields to bear the winners names, surmounted with crowns emblematical of the succesful victors. The inscription engraved on the silver shield is "Presented by the proprietors of the Liverpool Weekly Mercury for competition among the chess players of Liverpool and district"  .... Messrs Elkington and Co.,  Church street,  designed and manufactured the trophy to the entire satisfaction of the donors. It is a beautiful specimen of art workmanship, and will be on view for a short time in the windows of Messrs Elkington and Co's. premises..." 
It appears that more than one example was made. An identical looking trophy also dated 1881 was sold Christies South Kensington 8 December 2009, lot 393