3-011-377 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Tankard presented to the Nottingham (Robin Hood) Rifle Corps by the Duke of St. Albans, 1864. 'A handsome tankard has been manufactured at Coventry by the Skidmore Art-Manufactures Company for the Duke of St. Albans, who intends to give it as a prize to be competed for annually...Mr. Skidmore has departed from the ordinary character of such designs, and boldly produced...a grand and massive effect. The body of the tankard is of iron, lined with silver. Externally it is decorated with massive ornaments of silver and gilt bronze, which are saw-pierced, enamelled, set with precious stones, and elaborately engraved. Filigree is also used to enrich the gilt bronze surroundings and setting of the precious stones. The domelike cover is surmounted by a noble crystal; and crystals likewise adorn the base, as well as the handle, the grip of which is formed of ivory, inlaid and braced with ferrules of silver, on which the names of the successful competitors...will be engraved. Taken as a whole, the effect produced is rich, massive, and satisfactory, the variety of decorations and colours enhancing its beauty. It may be remarked that in this work all the ancient and modem methods of working metals and their ornamentation are exemplified and united'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.