Josiah Williams and Co English Sterling Homing Pigeon Trophy, Exeter, 1879/80

This is a large, oversized cann or mug and a wonderful trophy. Attached is a lovely S-scroll handle with applied thumb-piece. The bulbous body is engraved with classical hanging foliate swags while the upper neck is engraved with complimentary scrolling decoration. The stepped, pedestal base has a row of fine beading as does the upper rim of the body.

The front is engraved with the following presentation:

The
Beaufort Homing Pigeon Society
Fishponds
WORCESTER CUP
Augt 20th
1879
Won By
A Blue Chequered Cock
Costie

Pigeon racing was a beloved sport which continues today. (It was a favorite sport of the Portuguese royal family and homing pigeon houses can be seen all over that country.) Costie was obviously victorious on this particular day to take home this large and unusual award.

This fun trophy is fully hallmarked. It measures 6.75 inches across the body and handle by 6.75 inches tall, weighs 17.75 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition with wear to the interior gilding.