An 'Ipswich Regatta' presentation prize tankard for rowing in 1877, in the form of a charming silver plated tankard with a wooden barrel-casing enclos

An 'Ipswich Regatta' presentation prize tankard for rowing in 1877, in the form of a charming silver plated tankard with a wooden barrel-casing enclosed by four silver-plated bands, the first and second bands are engraved IPSWICH REGATTA 1877 JUNIOR FOURS 3. J. WALKER, height 14.5cm., 5 3/4in.; sold together with a photocopy of the extensive and amusing report of the event from The Ipswich Journal of 17th. July 1877 (2) Ipswich Regatta was an annual event held in the waters just off the promenade which formed a perfect viewing point for spectators. Among the many sailing events the 'Junior Fours' events for amateurs took place in awful weather conditions between 'The Ipswich Nautilus Club' of which Walker was rower number three, and 'Ipswich Petrel Rowing Club'. The Nautilus team won the event easily by about ten lengths. The photocopied 1877 Ipswich Journal report included in this lot relates how 50 members of the boating clubs, T. C. Cobbold (M.P.), the Mayor, Harbour Master and Committee met for dinner that evening in the boat shed adjoining the 'Ship Launch Inn', where prizes were awarded, speeches made and 'songs and recitations were given by various members of the company'.