Fine George III Sterling Silver Two-Handled Covered Cup, hallmarked London, 1787-1788, by Daniel Smith (free 1753) and Robert Sharp (free 1757), fl. 1780-1788, of urn form, decorated with applied swags draped from classical ringed masques, with acanthus frond calyx, with acanthus-mounted arched reed-and-ribbon handles and raised on a waisted, bead- and acanthus-banded foot above a square plinth, the fitted and waisted lid en suite with acanthus bud finial, the interior gilt, inscribed on the underside of the lid with later presentation inscription "Astor Cup for Schooners / Presented by Vice Commodore Vincent Astor / New York Yacht Club / Won by / "Vanitie" / Newport, August 18th 1927", h. 18", w. 11-1/2", dia. 7", 123.13 t. oz.

Overall Condition: Very Good. No condition issues noted beyond the expected signs of age: light wear to the highest detail, scattered scuffs and pinpoint dings, etc. Interior gilding good; later inscription on the interior underside lid as noted. Hallmarked (on the underside, in the foot) with: 1) the sterling lion passant; 2) the London crowned leopard's head; 3) the date letter "m" for 1787-1788; 4) the George III bust duty mark; and 5) the "DS/RS" maker's mark of Smith & Sharp [Grimwade 506]. Marks clean and crisp. The lid sleeve part marked with 1), 4) & 5) above; lightly rubbed but legible. A superior piece.