Antique George II Solid Silver Waiter / Salver - Horse Racing Prize

This antique solid sterling silver waiter, dating from the reign on George Ii, was, at some point, the presentation trophy in a Christie's-sponsored steeplechase. It is boxed along with a letter, sadly undated, giving the details of the waiter. Loathe as I am to find any fault with such an auspicious company as Christie's, the letter states the waiter to date from 1737 when, in fact, the date is 1739. The maker's mark for Robert Abercromby, alongside the hallmark of London 1739, is clear and crisp. Robert Abercromby was a specialist salver maker who changed the style of his maker's mark to that stamped on this salver in 1739. The waiter features shell and scroll shaped edges, with a circular foliate engraving to centre all raised on 3 scroll legs. The box is dark blue and fairly basic in design, although the clasps close tightly.