{"product_id":"antique-1895-victorian-english-sterling-bulldog-trophy-bowl-smartts-punch-18-4oz","title":"Antique 1895 Victorian English Sterling Bulldog Trophy Bowl Smartts Punch 18.4oz","description":"DESCRIPTION\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAntique Victorian English sterling silver decorative dog trophy bowl.  Made by William Hutton \u0026amp; Sons Ltd in 1895 and retailed by Bennett \u0026amp; Co of Blackheath, London.  A unique and wonderfully cast piece of sterling with a great pedigree in champion bulldogs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEngraved for the commission by John Ross to the Essex \u0026amp; East London Canine Association in early 1897 the first recipient was W G Smartts in Jan 28th of the inaugural year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarked underneath: Bennett \u0026amp; Co Blackheath London \u003cbr\u003eHallmarked: Lion Passant (sterling) Leopards head (London)  U (date letter 1895)\u003cbr\u003eEngraved:  The Blackwall Bulldog Challenge Cup Presented to The Essex \u0026amp; East London Canine                Association by John William Ross Esq 1st Jan 1897\u003cbr\u003eWon by W G Smartts \" Smartts Punch\" Leytonstone Jan 28th 1897\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMr William George Smartt of 128 East India Road, London, was one of the most highly regarded Bulldog breeders of his time and is described in the Bulldog year book of 1937 as 'one of the Grand Old Men of our Breed'. He was born in Doncaster in 1857, and developed a keen interest in Bulldogs from an early age. In 1875 he moved to London and soon developed an association with one of the outstanding Bulldog men of the late 19th century, Mr J. Ross, who later married Phil May's widow, (see lot 103). With Ross's backing, Smartt soon became actively involved in the national breed and exhibited his first dog in 1884. Towards the end of his career he was elected President of the Bulldog club and after retiring to the Cotswolds in 1922, he had the special honour of being elected a Life Honourary Member of the Mother Club.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmong the many Bulldogs Smartt owned were the champions Jubilee Monarch, Aston Billy, Smartt's Punch, Royal Duke, Amberoid, and Ch. Cribette. The following lots are a selection of objects that form just a small part of the veritable treasure house of objects amassed over a lifetime of involvement in the world of Bulldogdom and have come to auction by direct family descent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmartt's Punch was born on 6th December 1891. He was an 'excellent heavyweight' and was rarely shown without obtaining an award. He was half-brother to the famous Dockleaf, who was recognised as being one of the most 'typical bulldogs in England, or perhaps the world' and in the Gentleman's Journal of February 15th 1896, his 'well-shaped fore legs, powerful shoulders, and deep chest stamp him as all over a dog of the first quality, and certainly the best specimen at present in these kennels'. Punch was bred by Mr Pybus Sellon and owned by the celebrated Bulldog owner Mr William George Smartt. He was sired by Dandelyon and was out of Forceps.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA perfect addition to your vintage home decor or a fabulous gift idea.  This would make a great addition to any silver collection, dog collection or Victoriana collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMEASUREMENTS\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTrophy bowl measures 7\" diameter at the top by 5\" tall and weighs 18.4oz.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCONDITION\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis bowl is in good condition (please see all pictures as they form part of the condition description).","brand":"Yesteryear Essentials","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51482603979054,"sku":"YYE5473","price":1895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0983\/0138\/files\/130de129-25de-5935-a228-0a5b16fe6c17.jpg?v=1766079565","url":"https:\/\/www.yesteryearessentials.com\/products\/antique-1895-victorian-english-sterling-bulldog-trophy-bowl-smartts-punch-18-4oz","provider":"Yesteryear Essentials","version":"1.0","type":"link"}