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Learn MoreThe Yates Gold Cup
- This George III-style gold cup and cover was created by revered London silversmith Hannah Northcote
- The cup is distinguished by prestigious provenance, and was commissioned as a token of gratitude
- Exhibited at Christie's in 1989, the cup was later a part of the famed Al Tajir collection
- Presented in 1802, this cup is remarkable in scale and artistry
- Get complete item description here
$178,500
Item No.
31-6605
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Description
Remarkable in scale and artistry, this George III-style cup and cover was created by the famed London silversmith Hannah Northcote. Set on a circular foot and taking the form of a vase, the cup features two leaf-capped handles and a detachable domed cover crowned with a bud finial. Astounding in craftsmanship given the scarcity of gold at the time of its creation, the sentimental message engraved within the frontal cartouche indicates the prestigious provenance that. . .
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Remarkable in scale and artistry, this George III-style cup and cover was created by the famed London silversmith Hannah Northcote. Set on a circular foot and taking the form of a vase, the cup features two leaf-capped handles and a detachable domed cover crowned with a bud finial. Astounding in craftsmanship given the scarcity of gold at the time of its creation, the sentimental message engraved within the frontal cartouche indicates the prestigious provenance that further distinguishes this cup.
Originally commissioned by Robert Peel, the father of 19th-century British Prime Minister Robert Peel, the gold cup was intended to serve as a symbol of gratitude for Peel’s business partner and father-in-law, William Yates. Yates and Peel successfully married genius technological innovation and entrepreneurship, creating the world’s most successful fabric production factory at a time when most English fabrics were still crafted in the home. Both men were highly successful businessmen, prolific philanthropists and early champions of workers’ rights. By 1800, Peel was one of only ten millionaires in Britain.
When Hannah Northcote, one of the few female London silversmiths of her time, received Peel’s important commission, she created this remarkable gold cup, which serves as the epitome her skill and craftsmanship. The beautiful vase shape is only improved by the detachable cover with engraved foliage and inscription commemorating the businessman’s retirement. Undoubtedly, the cup was received with immense gratitude and honor, a sentiment that is illustrated through William Yates’ will: “My gold cup presented to me by my late partners upon the occasion of my retiring from trade and which I give and bequeath to Jonathan Yates.”
After the cup’s departure from the Yates family, it became a part of the highly prestigious collection of Mahdi Al Tajir, the world’s most important 20th-century silver collector. Al Tajir spared no expense in building his extraordinary collection, utilizing the wealth he built as oil minister for the United Arab Emirates’ burgeoning oil and gas industry. He exhibited his expansive collection at Christie’s in 1989 as part of their premier exhibit The Glory of the Goldsmith: Magnificent Gold and Silver from the Al-Tajir Collection.
Hallmarked London 1801
Inscribed “This Cup was presented to WILLIAM YATES ESQ. by his late Partners as a Token of Respect expressive of high Sense entertained by them, of his important Services rendered the concern after he declined having a Share in the Business January: 1. 1802”
10 1/4” high x 7 1/2” wide x 4 3/4” deep
Provenance:
Presented to William Yates (1739-18 13) by his former partners on his leaving the business
Bequeathed in his will to his son Lt. General Jonathan Yates (1780-1 854).
Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, London, 17 November 1955, lot 162.
Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, London, 7 March 1957, lot 102.
The 7th Earl of Radnor's Marriage Settlement; Christie's, London, 24 November 1971, lot 73.
Private Collection of Mahdi Al-Tajir.
Private Collection, London.
M.S. Rau, New Orleans.
Literature:
The will of William Yates, Public Record Office Mss. PROB 11/155o/430 ‘...my gold cup presented to me by my late partners upon the occasion of my retiring from trade and which I give and bequeath to Jonathan Yates’.
Originally commissioned by Robert Peel, the father of 19th-century British Prime Minister Robert Peel, the gold cup was intended to serve as a symbol of gratitude for Peel’s business partner and father-in-law, William Yates. Yates and Peel successfully married genius technological innovation and entrepreneurship, creating the world’s most successful fabric production factory at a time when most English fabrics were still crafted in the home. Both men were highly successful businessmen, prolific philanthropists and early champions of workers’ rights. By 1800, Peel was one of only ten millionaires in Britain.
When Hannah Northcote, one of the few female London silversmiths of her time, received Peel’s important commission, she created this remarkable gold cup, which serves as the epitome her skill and craftsmanship. The beautiful vase shape is only improved by the detachable cover with engraved foliage and inscription commemorating the businessman’s retirement. Undoubtedly, the cup was received with immense gratitude and honor, a sentiment that is illustrated through William Yates’ will: “My gold cup presented to me by my late partners upon the occasion of my retiring from trade and which I give and bequeath to Jonathan Yates.”
After the cup’s departure from the Yates family, it became a part of the highly prestigious collection of Mahdi Al Tajir, the world’s most important 20th-century silver collector. Al Tajir spared no expense in building his extraordinary collection, utilizing the wealth he built as oil minister for the United Arab Emirates’ burgeoning oil and gas industry. He exhibited his expansive collection at Christie’s in 1989 as part of their premier exhibit The Glory of the Goldsmith: Magnificent Gold and Silver from the Al-Tajir Collection.
Hallmarked London 1801
Inscribed “This Cup was presented to WILLIAM YATES ESQ. by his late Partners as a Token of Respect expressive of high Sense entertained by them, of his important Services rendered the concern after he declined having a Share in the Business January: 1. 1802”
10 1/4” high x 7 1/2” wide x 4 3/4” deep
Provenance:
Presented to William Yates (1739-18 13) by his former partners on his leaving the business
Bequeathed in his will to his son Lt. General Jonathan Yates (1780-1 854).
Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, London, 17 November 1955, lot 162.
Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, London, 7 March 1957, lot 102.
The 7th Earl of Radnor's Marriage Settlement; Christie's, London, 24 November 1971, lot 73.
Private Collection of Mahdi Al-Tajir.
Private Collection, London.
M.S. Rau, New Orleans.
Literature:
The will of William Yates, Public Record Office Mss. PROB 11/155o/430 ‘...my gold cup presented to me by my late partners upon the occasion of my retiring from trade and which I give and bequeath to Jonathan Yates’.
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Specifications
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Trophies/Presentation Pieces |
| Style: | Georgian |
| Depth: | 4.75 in. (12.07 cm) |
| Width: | 7.5 in. (19.05 cm) |
| Height: | 10.13 in. (25.72 cm) |
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Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
