Lot 406
SCOTTISH SILVER MOUNTED CARVED FRUITWOOD PRESENTATION CUP
LATE 19TH CENTURY
Fine Furniture and Works of Art
Auction: 31 January 2018 at 10:00 GMT
Description
the deep bowl carved with a double-headed serpent and leaves, mounted with an engraved armorial and fitted with silver bosses, with a silver ring to the well inscribed NONE BUT THE BRAVE DESERVE THE FAIR, the handle bearing a silver collar inscribed LOVAT SCOUTS, with maker's marks for Ferguson & MacBean, Inverness
Dimensions
39.5cm across (including handle)
Footnote
Note: The Lovat Scouts, formed in 1899-1900 were mainly recruited from estate workers, ghillies and gamekeepers from the Highlands. The two companies were initially involved in the Boer war in order to supply intelligence about the Boers, and stalking in the Highlands proved to be excellent 'training'. After The Boer War, further companies were raised and proved to be a vital part of the Army in WW1 and WW2. It was disbanded in 1946.
This bowl could be taken as an odd variation on a quaich but being much larger and single handed was probably part of the regimental silver. Ferguson and MacBean the silversmiths from Inverness probably supplied the bowl and mounts for one of the officers, presumably whose crest and initials are on the front.