Lot details
Of local interest: a Victorian silver presentation shield, by Walker & Hall, Sheffield 1898, profusely shaped and embossed with floral design, the frieze with the crest of the 'Mesham Family', above oval cartouche depicting a cricketing scene at Northumberland Cricket Club in the late 19th Century, with inscription to lower section 'Northumberland Cricket Club 1834-1899 Presented to Dr. T.C. Mesham, President 1888-1899 by members of the Club on the occasion of a Dissolution dated 12th April, 1899', 18in. (46cms) high. NB: Northumberland Cricket Club was the forerunner of the present Northumberland County Cricket Club established in 1896. From 1839 until 1881, the cricket matches were played on a field which was situated in the vicinity of what we now know as Ridley Place and surrounding streets. The Shield depicts a view from the ground showing St. Thomas' Church in the background. The Club never recovered from the loss of the ground and ceased to exist in 1899. See illustration