Beschreibung:

SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON (1874-1922) A SILVER PRESENTATION CASKET With Makers Mark of Alfred James Pairpoint, Francis William Pairpoint and Arthur William Pairpoint, London, 1909 An oblong silver casket on four scaly dolphin feet, with hinged slightly-domed cover and shell and foliate scroll borders, the ends each engraved with a coat-of-arms of Shackleton and Lewisham, one within an oak-leaf and acorn wreath, the other within a berried laurel wreath, the front inset with a coronation medallion of Edward VII within rose, thistle and shamrock wreath, the back chased and engraved with a church, the cover chased with an oblong cartouche with shamrock and acanthus foliage border surrounding a chased and engraved representation of H.M.S. Nimrod and with presentation inscription, the base inscribed with a list of the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of Lewisham. 8¾in. (22cm.) long 49 ozs. (1534 gms.) [ With ] WATERLOW Bros. & LAYTON (illuminators). An illuminated vellum scroll, dated 30 June 1909, (17 x 25.8cm.) with attached borough seal, from 'The borough of Lewisham' to Shackleton, congratulating him on his safe return and for leading the expedition 'which has attained most important scientific results, and planted the British flag within 97.. miles of the South Pole, being 366 miles nearer the Pole than the farthest southern point previously attained by any other Expedition', signed by the Mayor and the town clerk. A fine casket presented to Shackleton, inscribed, 'In commemoration of the splendid qualities displayed by him as leader of the Nimrod Antarctic Expedition. This casket containing an address of congratulations was presented to Lieut. Ernest Henry Shackleton M.V.O. on behalf of the Lewisham Borough Council and the inhabitants of Lewisham at the Town Hall. Catford. on 3rd July 1909.' Provenance : Sir Ernest Shackleton.