A German silver-gilt presentation standing cup and cover, unmarked, dated 1882

the circular base and inscribed bowl cast and chased with scenes of heroic endeavour, the sides applied with two mermaids and two satyrs, the detachable cover with volksheld figure terminal with wingéd helmet

H.R.H. Prince Leopold (1853-1884), Duke of Albany.

decorative object. small hole in cover, lid rim bent, ill fitting at junction of body and stem, 2 figures from lid missing their instrument. some wear to gilding. would benefit form professional cleaning. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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."

The inscription reads: 'Presented to H.R.H. the Duke of Albany on his Marriage 1882 by R.H. Collins, A.G. Yorke, Stanier Waller, Arnold Royle.'

Prince Leopold (1853-1884), who was created Duke of Albany in 1881, was the eight child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He was married at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on 27 April 1882 to Princess Helene Friederike (1861-1922), fifth daughter of Georg Viktor, reigning Prince of Waldeck-Pyrmont.

A number of the couple’s wedding gifts were illustrated in the Press, including the present cup in The Graphic (London, 20 May 1882, p. 504) where the caption reads: ‘Silver Gilt Cup Given by the Gentlemen of the Household at Claremont.’ These gentlemen, whose names are recorded on the cup, were Robert Hawthorne Collins (1841-1908), first tutor and then private secretary/comptroller  to the Duke; the Hon. Alexander Grantham Yorke (1847-1900), fifth son of Charles Philip, 4^th Earl of Harwicke, equerry; Captain Stanier Waller (1844-1930), equerry; and Dr. Arnold Royle (1836/37-1919), physician.