Beautiful 13" 2-handled (handles terminate in eagle heads) lidded cup with gilded 2-1/2" finial of sailor leaning on fouled anchor and "SUCCESS" engraved next to finial. Cup is florally decorated, mostly with grapes and grape leaves in typical Georgian fashion. Each part of the cup has London proofs with letter date from 1802. Presentation which reads in sixteen lines starting on one side of cup and going to other: "To JOHN BETHAN ESQUIRE,/Captain in the Honorable Company's Marine one of His Majesty's Justices/of the peace for the Town of Madras, and Marine Police Magistrate/who so preeminently distinguished himself in the cause of humanity/on the 24th of October 1818. when the Ship [i]Success[/i] was wrecked in a dreadful gale of wind near Madras./This cup is presented as a token of heartfelt regard by his grateful friend/JOHN CHARLES PARKER,/whose life was saved, with that of his infant Son and two servants/on that memorable occasion./Madras Courier 27TH Octr 1818. / for the preservation of so many of the lives of our fellow creatures/We are chiefly indebted to the very ardent exertions of/MR BETHAM,/The Superintendent of Marine Police/who exerted himself to the utmost in saving to all that could be saved." SIZE: PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Very good overall. Lid has several small bends around edge, such that lid does not fit tightly but sits fairly well in place. Decoration, engraving and touch-marks all discernible. Several small dents in body repaired, but all in all, a fine presentation piece of silver. 53091-234 JS (3,000-5,000)