Rare early Australian Colonial sterling silver Fine Woolled Ram trophy cup, NSW merino memorabilia. Thomas Smily, 1864, London.

The rural life that once saw Australia 'ride on the sheep's back' no longer defines this country, but its early history as a pastoral nation has endured in heritage towns and is embedded in Australia’s self-image. The merino industry’s importance in blazing Australia’s fortunes at home and overseas cannot be understated. 

This nostalgia, as well as the rarity of early Australia silver, makes this Australian Colonial sterling silver agricultural trophy timelessly collectible. Moreover, its recipient Mr. Edwin White, was an important figure in Northern New South Wales. 

Mr. Edwin White was declared by one obituary as  “one of the old pioneers of the North, and to men like him and his comrades the younger generations owe a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid”. Born in England, he had emigrated to Australia as a young man in 1853. He found work as a carter and would bring families to the Invernell District “thereby helping to blaze the track of civilization in the North and North West- this was in the days when roads and fences were unknown.”

In particular, this cup bears witness to him being “a keen judge of stock”, and he was for a number of years “a judge at most of the principal shows of the North”. His own entries were very successful and he was “the proud possessor of a number of Cups and trophies”, “his chief successes being with sheep of which he was considered one of the best judges in the State”.

Beginning in 1860, a series of Land Acts were created in many Australian colonies, which allowed new farmers to select and buy some of the land controlled by the squatters. Therefore, the new farmers were known as 'selectors', since they could 'select' the land they wanted. White was one such man, and he also found much success in cattle. His acreage spanned several towns from Inverness to Ben Lomond, and a census in 1916 found he had 5915 sheep, making him one of the more prosperous gentleman farmers in Northern NSW.

A description of this cup is as follows from an article dated December 1885 (lightly edited for clarity):

The silver cups and medals awarded at the late Singleton Show have come to hand, and are now on view at the establishment of Messrs. James Moore and Company. These handsome trophies, manufactured by Messrs. Hardy Brothers, of Sydney, in their accustomed, well finished, and artistic style, will be delivered to those prize takers. The cups… were awarded as follows… … to Mr. Edwin White, for champion fine-woolled ram Sweepstakes, the 3rd (£8 cup). 

A generously proportioned cup with fine engraving and thick gauge. Hallmarks for Thomas Smily, 1864, London.

Price marked at $4500 AUD.

Measurements: 22 cm high, 10cm base diameter. 368.8 g. 

Excellent antique condition. Gilt interior in good condition.