Victorian silver and glass epergne by Stephen Smith & Son

On the base of this fine silver epergne, which stands on three winged paw feet and is mounted with delicate foliate motifs, is inscribed a dedication of significant cricketing interest (and is transcribed in full below). From the base rises a knopped stem, the upper portion of which is fluted and wrapped with foliate motifs that complement the foliage on the base. Five arms spring horizontally from the top of the stem, decorated with fine stylised foliage, and support five etched glass posy holders. Above, the stem continues, formed as a female figure in a contrapposto pose whose overhead arms support an etched glass tazza.

The item was produced by Stephen Smith and Son of King Street in Covent Garden, London. Stephen Smith was a successor of the esteemed Benjamin Smith. Silver stamps date the epergne to 1873, one year before the date of the inscription.

The inscription reads as follows:

‘PRESENTED TO / M. A.TROUGHTON.ESQ: / 26^TH AUGUST. 1974. / BY THE / RIGHT HON.BLE THE EARL OF DARNLEY / PATRON OF THE MID KENT CRICKET CLUB / ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBERS & OTHER FRIENDS / in testimony of their esteem & regard for him as the / ENERGETIC HONORARY SECRETARY / OF THE CLUB DURING 16 YEARS / A DISTINGUISHED CRICKETER & A ZEALOUS / SUPPORTER OF THAT FIND OLD / ENGLISH GAME.’