[Billiards] Tin commemorative trophy tankard,

with engraved text: "Billiard Match May 1868", with the names of contestants E. Balfour and R.H. Townely versus The Earl of Rosebery and G. Chetwynd, the tankard signed in bottom ring "James Dixon & Sons 482" and marked "Sheard Oxford", with lid with thumbrest and glass window for bottom, height 21 cm.

Slightly dented and scratched as usual with this type of material, but in acceptable condition. Lovely tankard commemorating a game of billiards between 4 men, made by one of England's most famous tinsmiths, specialised in this type of sports memorabilia. The Earl of Rosebery is Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery, 1st Earl of Midlothian (1847–1929). At the time of the game he had only recently been made Earl, his grandfather (the 4th Earl of Rosebery) had died in March 1868. Primrose was known as a great sportsman and was prime minister of Britain from March 1894 to June 1895.