Beschreibung:

hand-beaten fluted base attractively set with twelve ruby cabochons, with delicate flowing twist and ball decoration to the stem, leading up to cup of elegant ovoid form with simple flowing decoration, complete with lid with dramatic wide ruby-red enamel spread decoration surmouted with laurel-leaf finial holding a dark-ruby cabochon, the base deeply engraved around the perimeter 'THIS CUP WAS PRESENTED BY "THE COUNTY GENTLEMAN" TO THE WINNER OF THE SPEED TRIALS HELD BY THE AUTOMOBILE CLUB ON WHITMONDAY 1902', strongly impressed to side of cup and side of the lid base with sterling silver hallmarks for 'GofHLtd' (Guild of Handicrafts), London, 1901, created by highly acclaimed Arts & Crafts sculptor Charles Robert Ashbee (1863-1942) and produced by accomplished silversmiths Guild of Handicrafts, who held the Royal Warrant by Appointment to the Queen of England, the cup measuring 12 inches high, and 13¾ inches high including lid, and having a combined weight of 635 grammes. A truly outstanding and highly impressive important piece of motoring history, this trophy is presented in it's original condition, with no discernable damage to enamel or cabochons. It is a remarkable survivor, and is believed not to have been seen publicly for 109 years. It was awarded to the legendary racing driver and inventor Leon Serpollet for beating all other competitors at the very first International car race organised by the Royal Automobile Club ever held in England. He won his prize in a revolutionary and legendary steam vehicle, a 1902 'The Easter Egg', and beat C.S. Rolls to achieve his great honour. This lot is offered for sale with full rights to the web domain of a dedicated website relating to the cup. Please visit www.1902-bexhill-speed-trials-trophy.com