Lot 21
A 19th century marquetry Sewing Box America's Cup interest 13x8.5x5ins(33x21.5x14cm)
8 October 2014, 14:00 BST
London, KnightsbridgeSold for £2,000 inc. premium
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A 19th century marquetry Sewing Box America's Cup interest
the lid bearing a depiction of the schooners Columbia and Livonia sailing off the Sandy Hook lightship, with paddle steamers in attendance, within a decorative border. The front decorated with crossed Red and White ensigns. The interior lined with red velvet and pasted paper decoration, having a top layer with four open compartments and five lidded, each fitted with bone finials, and a red velvet pin cushion. 13x8.5x5ins(33x21.5x14cm)
Footnotes
After unsuccessfully challenging the Americans for the America's Cup in 1868, James Ashbury commissioned Michael Ratsey to design a new schooner, based on the lines of the American Sappho. Launched in 1871, as was usual she was sailed across the Atlantic to take part in the Challenge races. Initially there was disagreement about the terms of the challenge, which was eventually resolved so that the first yacht to win four races would be the winner.
Livonia was met by the American defender, Franklin Osgood's Columbia, who won the first two races, although Ashbury contested the decision on the second race. Livonia went on to win the third, and Columbia was damaged, so she was replaced by Sappho which continued the challenge by winning two further races. Ashbury refused to accept the American victory, on the grounds that they had only won three races, and not with the same vessel. He continued to come to the race course and then claimed the cup by default, when no challenger appeared. He was not given the Trophy, and returned to England embittered.