{"product_id":"antique-1896-silver-plate-athletic-trophy-loving-cup-first-prize-shot-put-engraved-floral-insect-motif","title":"Antique 1896 Silver Plate Athletic Trophy Loving Cup – First Prize Shot Put, Engraved Floral \u0026 Insect Motif","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptional late 19th-century silver plate athletic trophy, engraved and dated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApril 10, 1896\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, commemorating a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirst Prize 16 lb. Shot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e competition—likely associated with an athletic association (monogram appears as “S.M.S.A.” or similar).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis form is commonly referred to as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eloving cup\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with its symmetrical dual handles and low, wide body—designed for presentation and display rather than use. The proportions feel intimate and substantial, giving it a strong sculptural presence despite its smaller scale.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat sets this example apart is the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eremarkable surface work\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e—a fully engraved body featuring:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowing botanical forms\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetailed floral sprays\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eA rare and charming \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003einsect motif band\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e encircling the midsection\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHand-engraved script commemorating the event\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe craftsmanship reads as layered and intentional—both decorative and commemorative, with a quiet sense of permanence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe underside is stamped:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Quadruple Plate 200”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, indicating a higher-grade silver plating typical of the period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecently polished just enough to reveal the engraving and detail, while still retaining light surface wear consistent with age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstate found. Quietly collected.\u003cbr\u003e For old homes, fireside shelves, and cabinets of curiosity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood antique condition with age-appropriate wear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight surface scratching and patina throughout\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterior shows expected age and use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eSlight out-of-roundness at the top back edge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (subtle, not visually distracting when displayed)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo major dents or structural damage observed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEngraving remains crisp and legible\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMEASUREMENTS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eApprox. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7” across (handle to handle)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eApprox. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4” tall\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eOpening diameter: ~\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2.5”\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eWeight: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e13 oz\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Shop of Old","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44511586713735,"sku":null,"price":168.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0727\/9345\/6775\/files\/IMG-4045.png?v=1776800728","url":"https:\/\/shopofold.com\/products\/antique-1896-silver-plate-athletic-trophy-loving-cup-first-prize-shot-put-engraved-floral-insect-motif","provider":"Shop of Old","version":"1.0","type":"link"}