Lot 471
A SCOTTISH GEORGE IV TWIN HANDLED PRESENTATION CUP
WILLIAM & PATRICK CUNNINGHAM, EDINBURGH 1825,
Scottish Silver & Applied Arts
Auction: 15 August 2018 at 11:00 BST
Description
of campana form demi-fluted body, raised on spreading pedestal foot, ornate S scroll and leaf clasped handles, cartouches to the body, one vacant, one with presentation engraving 'By the workmen of the Elgin Colliery to Mr. John Henderson...
Dimensions
24cm high, 31oz
Footnote
Note: This presentation cup from the workers at Elgin Colliery to their manager "As a testimony of their esteem for his Disinterested exertions in promoting their Happiness" Altogether a rather confusing inscription
The Elgin colliery referred to is The Elgin and Wellwood Colliery near Dunfermline in Fife. Records show it was started around 1825-27 and it may be John Henderson was the first manager. The Elgin family owned the mine until the mid 19th century. Owing to pressure with bank debt, the mine eventually closed in 1950 after a pithead fire and deemed uneconomical to restart