American & Southern Auction | October 16, 2024
Wed, Oct 16, 2024 10:00AM EDT
Lot 605
George W. Stewart Kentucky Coin Silver Horse Trophy
Estimate: $100,000 - $150,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
American, mid-19th century, main body encircled with racing scene, stewards’ booth and American flag, landscaped background, acanthus and floral borders, scroll handle, elaborate cartouche surrounded by hunting related items, inscribed "Red Bird", marked twice, one on base rim and inside base “GW Stewart/Lex KY” , inside base also has eagle head (George W. Stewart, Lexington, Kentucky, working 1843-1852), 29.9 oz.T., 14-1/2 in.
Provenance: Private Collection
Notes: Red Bird was sired by Grey Eagle, who helped establish Kentucky’s reputation as a premier source of great horses.
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/109985/pedigree-analysis-grey-eagle
George W. Stewart was active in Lexington, Kentucky between 1843-1852 (and possibly longer). During this time he is known to have produced trophies or racing prizes for a number of stakes races, both in Lexington, for the Kentucky Association, and for the race meets in Louisville, with very few of the trophies having survived. Stewart’s trophies are known for heavy repoussé and are elaborately ornamented with horse racing motifs, showing jockeys on horseback racing towards the finish, a grandstand with spectators watching from behind a rail, and an occupied stewards’ booth, with the American flag flying in the background. Stewart is also known for details such as the hoof prints in the turf and the faces of the spectators.
For similar examples see: Brunk Auctions, July 16, 2015, lot 36, $188,800 (https://live.brunkauctions.com/online-auctions/brunk/rare-george-w-stewart-kentucky-259671)
Available payment options
Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.
Private Collection
base was previous pushed in and has a repair with some soldier, repaired dent on side at crowd (no solider, just hammered back out), both repairs are nicely done, other typical wear
