Tiffany horse racing trophy sold at auction in New York
Tiffany Stakes Plate Trophy 1861
The trophy was created by Tiffany & Company for the race, which was run at the old Woodlawn Race Course near Louisville, Ky. It was commissioned by R.A. Alexander, the same man who commissioned the famous Woodlawn Vase, dubbed the “most valuable trophy in sports”, which is the trophy for the Preakness Stakes (the winner of the race receives a replica of the trophy).
The trophy is signed on underside “Tiffany & Co. 1169, English Sterling 925/1000, 7844, 550 Broadway”. Also has on underside two marks indicating “John C. Moore”. Engraved along the lower border are horse shoes, stirrups and floral swags. There is a raised silver mask under the spout and raised horse and figure on the hinged lid. Size is approximately .46 troy oz. with a height of 10 1/2″.
The 1861 edition of the Tiffany Stake Plate was won by Ann Clark, a daughter of Lexington that raced for owner-breeder Alexander. Some say the name was Anna Clark. Woodlawn Race Course was shut down just a few years later and the race was never run again.
This is text from a Kentucky Historical Marker near the former site of the race track:
“Woodlawn Race Course – Opened in 1859 and drew national attention. Closed after Civil War. R. A. Alexander, noted breeder, was major figure in buying estate for National Racing Association. He contracted with Tiffany’s to design Woodlawn Vase in 1860 and first used in 1861 and 1862. It was buried for safety during the Civil War. The Vase is now winner’s trophy at the Preakness Stakes, where a replica is given each year.” It certainly makes you wonder where this vase was kept during the Civil War. If only it could talk…..
The auction house reports the trophy brought a final bid of $28,000 from someone bidding by phone. So, with the buyer’s premium, the final sale price is $33,600.
