74023: An Important R & S Garrard & Co. Silver Wine Cis

An Important R & S Garrard & Co. Silver Wine Cistern, London, 1903 Marks: (lion passant), (leopard's head), SG, h 19-1x4 x 32-1x2 x 21 inches (48.9 x 82.6 x 53.3 cm) (trophy) 33-1x2 X 25 X 18-1x2 inches (85.1 x 63.5 x 47 cm) (base) 22100 grams (710.54 troy ounces) Inscription to brass label on wood pedestal: The MICHIGAN MILE and 1x16 x SEPT 21-1957 x WON BY x MY NIGHT OUT x OWNER D.H.WELLS TRAINER R GRUNDY The cistern of boat-form, featuring a Bacchanale scene in high relief of putti at play amidst grapevines to the front and back crowned by the royal British Coat of Arms on either side, with winged female figureheads below a spiraling rim at each end, the whole sitting atop a garlanded fluted base with a female mask above a lion's mask over a lion's foot, and to either end female forms emerging from scrolling legs, finishing in lion's paw feet. Garrard & Co. was appointed the official Crown Jewelers by Queen Victoria in 1843. This prestigious recognition marked Garrard's as a symbol of unmatched quality and prestige and established a standard for royal commissions and the crafting of ceremonial pieces that echo the power and sophistication of the British monarchy. The cistern's exuberant design recalls the work of Edmund Cotterill (1794-1860), a British sculptor and the head of Garrard's design department (1833 – 1860), who helped the company reach a level of celebrity that no other could match. Known for his finely modeled figures and animals, vessels and trophies in bronze and silver, including The America's Cup, Cotterill established Garrard's standard for excellence. The Garrard & Co. Bacchanale-themed silver wine cistern, with its exuberate design, exquisite craftsmanship and rich narrative, mirrors the opulent legacy of Cotterill's standard and the tastes of the Edwardian era, a period distinguished by its sophistication in art and design. The cistern's journey to the present day is enveloped in mystery. Mentioned on September 23, 1957, in a Detroit Free Press article, and subsequently on October 15, 1957, shown in the arms of D.H. Wells, the owner of the winning horse, My Night Out, it narrates a story of unexpected victory and prestigious display. ""The Detroit Race Course played host Saturday to 21,067 people, the second largest turnout in the history of the Michigan Mile and a Sixteenth. And a horse named My Night Out fooled a lot of them by winning the ninth edition of the $50,000 race. But none of the losers should feel bad because the two men My Night Out fooled most were the men who knew him best. One was the present owner, D.H. Wells, and the other was his former owner, Sam B. David." This recounting not only highlights a momentous event in horse racing history but also signifies the piece's transition from a private artifact to a public trophy. Later displayed at Churchill Downs, it eventually returned to the family of the current owner. It surpasses its initial status as a luxury item to embody a historical artifact that bridges continents and cultures. This piece unites British aristocracy with American sportsmanship and garners universal appreciation for its artistry, marking a significant point in the confluence of history, luxury, and sports. HID03101062020 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Condition Report: Overall presenting beautifully; impressive scale and robust decoration; notable weight; sterling interior liner; two small splits, one to upper rim, one to foot; foot of one unicorn missing; crown to opposite lion missing; scattered scratches, most notably to rim as expected; wear does not detract from overall effect. Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"