A Graff, Washbourne & Dunn Silver Automobile Trophy Punch Bowl, New York, 1910. Marks: STERLING, (diamond-quatrefoil-dia...

Description

A Graff, Washbourne & Dunn Silver Automobile Trophy Punch Bowl, New York, 1910
Marks: STERLING, (diamond-quatrefoil-diamond)
13 x 17 inches (33.0 x 43.2 cm)
239.1 troy ounces
Inscription: SWEEPSTAKE PRIZE PRESENTED BY THE WASHINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO THE MOST ATTRACTIVE AND BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED AUTOMOBILE ENTERED IN THE FIRST WASHINGTON AUTOMOBILE FLORAL EXHIBITION SEPT. 30TH, 1909; PRESENTED TO Rear Admiral E.H.C. Heutze U.S. Navy BY THE EMPLOYEES OF THE WASHINGTON NAVY YARD. APRIL 1ST 1910.

American Presentation and Trophy Silver from the Collection of J.D. Parks

The silver punch bowl, with cast and applied garlands joined by wheel-formed handles, etched scene of the automobile to central cartouche, surmounting base terminating in four scrolling foliate feet.

On September 30, 1909, Pennsylvania Ave. was closed to all traffic from the Treasury to the Capital, for the long-awaited Floral Parade held by the Washington DC Chamber of Commerce. Automobiles were registered in advance to participate, and each was decorated for the competition in hopes of winning the $600 Rose Bowl trophy. The event drew in a record crowd and The Washington Time headline the following day read:

Verdict of Floral Parade Judges is approved by all

Men at Navy Yard Delighted that their Car Got First Place

In winning the event, they carried off first honors for the Navy in the biggest floral fete of the year. And so they are happy-every one of them. And they are going up tonight as a body to the Chamber of Commerce to receive the $600 silver rose bowl that will be awarded them for winning out over a field of nearly 100 competitors. One hundred thousand persons were thrilled with the spirit, "The Navy Forever." When an armed automobile manned by eight "jackies" of the service, and decorated by F.H. Kramer, the florist, hove in sight.



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