(Captain David Freeman is shown with Lawrences’ Managing Director Helen Carless and the trophy)
It is a particular pleasure when auctioneers can ensure that a lot ends up where it belongs and that was certainly true at Lawrences in Crewkerne when a magnificent yachting trophy was sold to a distinguished yacht club after a period of over 175 years.
The 37cm (14.5in) trophy cup and cover was elaborately decorated with fruiting vines and a figure upon the cover holds a horn and a paddle as he emerges from the waves. It was awarded to the owner of `The Widgeon` on 12 April 1837 and the engraved legend states that it was ‘the first Cup in the Royal Thames Yacht Club’.
The Club itself dates back to at least 1775 but only added the `Royal` prefix upon receiving King William IV’s permission to do so in 1830. The inscription probably relates to the first prize (rather than the first actual award) but it had been won after a lengthy race from Greenwich to the Nore Light and back (a distance of over 80 statute miles). Mr T E Snook took the honours and was given the prize but it passed down through the family of a fellow crewman on the `Widgeon` before resurfacing at auction in October.
Captain David Freeman, Secretary of the Royal Thames Yacht Club said, “We are delighted that the cup is back in our possession and it will take pride of place in our trophy cabinet.”
The cup was bought for £6,200.
