Live Auction 5467The Althorp Attic Sale - Including the Spencer Carriages
A VICTORIAN SILVER CUP ON FOUR SUPPORTS
Lot 178

A VICTORIAN SILVER CUP ON FOUR SUPPORTS

MARK OF FRANCIS BOONE THOMAS, LONDON, 1885

Closed8 July 2010

Price Realised

GBP 1,000

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A VICTORIAN SILVER CUP ON FOUR SUPPORTS
MARK OF FRANCIS BOONE THOMAS, LONDON, 1885
Square sectioned tapering to cylindrical and on four hook feet, engraved underneath with the inscription
5½ in. (14 cm.) high
16 oz. (499 gr.)
The inscription reads 'This is the gift of a political opponent to the Right Hon. John Poyntz Earl Spencer K.G. as a mark of sincere admiration of the cool courage with which his Excellency administered the affairs of Ireland during the troublous years 1882-1885'.

Given to John Poyntz, 5th Earl Spencer (1835-1910) in 1885, and by descent.

Specialist note

Lord Spencer was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland by Sir William Gladstone in December 1868. He was a strong supporter of the 1870 Land Act which proposed Land Tribunals and fixed rent tenancies. It was a period of strong Fenian revolt, particularly in co. Meath and co. Westmeath, but at the end of his five years tenure the situation was much improved.