3-011-510 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Testimonial to Major-General Sir Andrew Scott Waugh, late Surveyor-General and Superintendent of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, 1862. 'The testimonial consists of a large solid silver centrepiece for the dinner-table, which is composed of a tripod base, each side bearing a medallion or panel, one of which represents Sir Andrew Waugh surveying with the great theodolite, which is a remarkably fine piece of chasing in basso-relievo. The second panel represents the favourite sport of India, a spirited tiger-hunt...Surmounting the base, beneath the fan-loaf palm, which is ornamentally treated in the arabesque style, is a group of finely-modelled figures. One represents Minerva presenting a wreath of laurels, this figure being copied from the Royal Geographical Society's gold medal (with which Sir Andrew has been presented); the other two figures represent an officer on survey, with a native attendant figure bearing the land-measuring chain and theodolite stand...The two smaller groups have the bases ornamented with tigers couchant, native soldier, and native studying a chart...the value of the testimonial is 400 guineas...[It was made by] silversmiths, C. Williams and Co. (late Catchpole and Williams), of Oxford-street'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.