George III Gilt Silver Trophy Bowl, The Edward F. Beale Challenge Trophy

Mark of Philip Rundell, London (1820), large gilt silver centerpiece with acanthus double handles, gadrooning and shell motifs to the rim, a fluted body, and uniform pedestal foot, not monogrammed.

8 x 13 1/2 x 12 in.

82.55 troy oz.

From the Estate of the late Peggy Augustus, Old Keswick, Virginia

The front of the trophy is engraved “The Edward Beale Challenge Trophy / Presented To / The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair / By Edward F. Beale Esq. / For the Champion Hunter of the Show / To be won by the Hunter scoring the highest in the minds of the Judges during the show as to performances, conformation, quality, and manners. Open only to blue ribbon winners of the class designated each year by the Committee, to be won three times by the same owner, not necessarily in succession.”

The verso bears the names of winners from circa 1936 to 1956, including Miss Peggy Augustus, who is listed three times between 1954 and 1956. In that final year, the award was retired by her celebrated Thoroughbred, Waiting Home.

Waiting Home was the most acclaimed horse Peggy Augustus rode during her competitive years. The chestnut Thoroughbred excelled in hunter shows, where horses are judged on manners, temperament, movement, and the elegance of their jumping style. With Augustus in the saddle, Waiting Home secured the championship at Devon three times in the 1950s, earning permanent possession of the Edward Beale Challenge Trophy. Over the course of their partnership, the pair dominated the hunter circuit, winning numerous titles, and in one remarkable season, retiring five separate challenge trophies.

A few barely visible dents to the body, minor rubbing to the gilt.