Record number: CHEGM: 1978 96

Gold tumbler cup attributed to Joseph Steward II, hallmarked London 1765-66. Between 1741 and 1800, the head of the Grosvenor family annually presented a solid gold tumbler cup worth £50 at the Chester Races. Most were melted down and turned into cash, but this is one of four which survive. This cup was presented by Richard, 1st Baron (later 1st Earl Grosvenor) in 1766. It was won by John Hutton's horse 'Lofty'. Purchased with help from the V&A Purchase Grant Fund, The Art Fund, London Goldsmiths’ Company, Duke of Westminster, Viscount Leverhulme, James Walker Ltd, and Boodle & Dunthorne.

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Record number: CHEGM: 1981 25 1

Silver-gilt covered cup made by Peter Bateman and William Bateman I, hallmarked London in 1813-14. This urn-shaped Neoclassical cup has a cast finial in the form of the gold wheatsheaf of the Grosvenor arms. Between 1801 and 1820, the head of the Grosvenor family annually presented a two-handled silver-gilt cup as a prize at the Chester Races. This cup was presented by the 2nd Earl Grosvenor (later 1st Marquess of Westminster) at the Chester Races in 1814. It was won by the 2nd Earl Grosvenor's bitter political rival Sir John Grey Egerton and his horse 'Hit and Miss'. Purchased with help from the V&A Purchase Grant Fund, The Art Fund, and Grosvenor Museum Society.

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Record number: CHEGM: 1982 55

Silver hot water jug made by George Lowe I, hallmarked Chester 1830-31. The shape of this piece is derived from the ancient Greek wine jug, the oenochoe. It is in the Neo-Classical style, which revived the decoration of Classical Antiquity. The handle's ivory insulation fillets show that the jug was intended for hot liquids. Purchased with help from the V&A Purchase Grant Fund, London Goldsmiths’ Company, Grosvenor Museum Society, Boodle & Dunthorne, Mappin & Webb, and Lowe & Sons.

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Record number: CHEGM: 1982 98

A pair of silver table candlesticks made by William Abdy I, hallmarked London 1770-71. Table candlesticks have a flat-bottomed base for resting on a table. These come from a set of at least four. The chased decoration of festoons and wicker baskets of flowers follows the flowing curves of the Rococo style. Presented by H.M. Treasury after acceptance in lieu of tax on the estate of the 6th Marquess of Ormonde.

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Record number: CHEGM: 1984 2

The Delamere Horn made from the horn of female European bison. The silver-gilt mouthpiece attributed by William Mutton of Chester, c.1561-66. The two sterling silver mounts were made by Herbert Charles Lambert, hallmarked London 1905-6. The mouthpiece is engraved with a bond of scrolling arabesques and this has been copied on the other two mounts. The horn is suspended from a green and gold tasselled braid, c.1561-66. This horn was the symbol of office of the Chief forester of Delamere and Mondrem in central Cheshire, the office was created c.1123. Purchased with help from the V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Beecroft Bequest, and Grosvenor Museum Society.

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Record number: CHEGM: 1984 23

Silver two-handled cup made by Thomas Robinson, hallmarked Chester 1690-92. With its alternate spiral fluting (concave) and gadrooning (convex) and S-scroll handles, it is among the finest pieces of 17th century Chester silver. This was probably used for caudle, a spiced alcohol-and-gruel concoction served to invalids and to women before and after childbirth. Purchased with help from the V&A Purchase Grant Fund, The Art Fund, and Grosvenor Museum Society.

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