1931

55
H.R.H., in presenting the cup, spoke in terms approving of the
institution of what promised to be so popular a competition,
remarking that he considered all sports and recreations of that
nature as beneficial to the Army at large and to the men
individually. He congratulated the Association on the success of
the first year and wished it future prosperity.
Here it might be stated that the Challenge Trophy; a silver
replica of the famous Warwick Vase, was obtained by means of
unit and individual subscriptions. The following is a description
of the trophy:—
The Army Football Association Challenge Trophy is a silver
replica of the famous Warwick Vase, made in the year 1538, being
the work of one Paul Storr, a famous silversmith of that time.
The Vase was purchased in ISSS, and the following is a descrip-
tion, together with various particulars as to the origin, etc., of
the original Vase:—
This grand antique Bacchanalian Vase is now in possession of
the Earl of Warwick, and stands at Warwick Castle in a
conservatory specially built to contain it.
The Vase is of white marble and of massive proportions, measur-
ing 5 feet 7 inches in height and about 8 feet across from handle
to handle. The body is draped with a lion's skin, and is enriched
on the one side with. four Satyrs' heads and on the reverse with
the heads of three Satyrs and one Bacchante. The Vase stands
on a square foot, whilst underneath the body and springing from
the foot is a beautiful piece of acanthus leaf work. The handles
are formed of twisted vine branches, which are carried round the
mouth, and at various intervals are suspended clusters of grapes
and vine leaves.
The Vase is of Roman origin and evidently of the early part of
the Second Century, being probably made during the reign of the
Emperor Hadrian
(A.D.
117 to 13S), who is noted as a great patron
of the arts and literature. It was discovered in 1770 (whilst drain-
ing the Lake of Pantanello) in the precincts of the Villa of
Hadrian, near Tivoli, that celebrated storehouse of treasures of art.
It appears to have been discovered and brought to this country
uy
Sir William Hamilton, foster-brother of. George III, friend of
Lord Nelson, and husband of the celebrated Lady Hamilton, and
for thirty-six years Ambassador at Naples. Sir William died in
1803 without male issue, but his eldest daughter married the first
Earl of Warwick, and by this means the Vase evidently came into
possession of the Warwick family.
The following inscription is carved on the Vase:—
Hoe .Pristine Artis
Romanae Q Magnificentim Monumentum
Ruderibus Villaa Tiburtinfe
Hadriano Aug. In Deliciis Habitm Effosum
Restitui Curavit