Wilcox & Wagoner Trophy - 9948 - Chicago Horse Race - American Sterling Silver

Description

Edwardian sterling silver trophy cup. Oval bowl with capped and scrolled side handles; spool support and raised and stepped foot. On front is applied is a wreath with mounted horse covered in laurels. Below is a round strap frame with "Hawthorne" at top and "Chicago Business Men?s Racing Association" at bottom.
The Hawthorne Race Course, which hosted its first race in 1891, has a long and checkered history, especially in the early years when horse racing was banned in Chicago. It was shut down beginning in 1905, and a few tries at illegal racing brought out the sheriff and his men. In 1922, the track was reopened under the management of the Chicago Business Men's Racing Association, which saw to the construction of a new clubhouse. This cup was won in 1925 by Mad Play, a Kentucky-born thoroughbred that had achieved another first the year before at the Belmont Stakes.
Back is vacant for engraving the name of another winner.
Fully marked including no. 9948 and stamp for Wilcox & Wagoner, a New York maker active in the first decade of the 20th century.
Dimensions: H 19 x W 16 x D 9 1/2 in. Weight: 76 troy ounces. #BU163