A large twin handled presentation tray, Royal Company

A large twin handled presentation tray, Royal Company of Archers Brook & Son (of Edinburgh), Sheffield 1906, of rectangular outline with cast gadrooned border, engraved presentation inscription to centre for '... King's prize...1906', below engraved coat of arms and armorials (Width across handles: 71cm, weight: 138oz) Footnote: Known as the Queen's Bodyguard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers has been in existence in some way since the 17th century, when in 1676 it was formed as an archery club. Following the Jacobite uprisings the Company of Archers sought to reconcile themselves with the House of Hanover and in 1822 on King George IV’s first visit to Scotland they became the personal bodyguard of the monarch. With notable members such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns, the former who designed their uniform, the Royal Company of Archers has always been a prominent part of Scottish history. This twin-handled tray presented to James Crawford Dunlop in 1906, is emblazoned with three coats of arms, is a rare insight into a highly regarded and identifiably Scottish society.