2009/1/1-3

This is a miniature replica of the trophy awarded for success in the 'best root crop' competition for 1961. It was presented by Queen Elizabeth II to Thomas W. Pring, via the Royal East Berkshire Agricultural Association. The replica was presented to T. W. Pring on occasion of him having won the original root crop cup three or four years running.

1 cup with stand: metal (silver); wood; leather; fair conditionThe cup has hallmarks and has been incribed as follows: ' Royal East Berks Agricultural Association // Replica of the King George VI Challenge Cup for the best root crops // Presented by Queen Elizabeth II // Won by T. W. Pring & Son 1961'

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'Miniature Cup; silver lid with concentric decorative circles and finial; silver cup, inscribed, waisted and base, decorative circles around middle; two handles with leaf-shaped motif; wooden stand, leather base. There is slight damage to the stand where it appears to have been bashed. // ... This replica was presented to T. W. Pring on occasion of him having won the original root crop cup three years or four years running. Pring was a distant relation of the donor. Associated documentation includes a photograph of the Prings + their employees with the original cup, a photo of relative Fred Hayes with the root crop, and a letter from Buckingham Palace.', Letter, Buckingham Palace to The Secretary, Royal East Berks Agricultural Association, 8th December 1961 - 'Dear Sir, // I have today sent you, by separate registered post, the miniature of "The King George VI Challenge Cup" for 1961. // I have been commanded to ask you to convey it, with Her Majesty's congratulations, to Messrs. T. W. Pring and Son. // Yours truly, // Secretary of the Privy Purse.'

1961 - 1961

Wood, Metal, silver, Leather

Pring, Jack (Agent)
Pring, Thomas (Agent)
Royal East Berkshire Agricultural Association (Distributor)
Elizabeth II, Queen of Britain (Agent)
Hayes, Frederick (Agent)