Silver-Plated Presentation Trophy Cup

A substantial American silver-plated presentation trophy of classical urn form, manufactured in 1913. The vessel is constructed with a spreading circular foot, tapering lower body, and a wide flared neck bordered by a cast egg-and-dart relief frieze. Two bold, squared strap handles flank the body, lending an architectural profile characteristic of late Edwardian and early American civic metalware.

The body features deep period engraving reading: 'PRESENTED TO T. J. Foster / PRESIDENT INTERNATIONAL TEXT BOOK COMPANY / Proprietors International Correspondence Schools / IN CONJUNCTION WITH A BUSINESS SALES CAMPAIGN / August 1913 Working Period / WITH OUR BEST WISHES FOR MANY YEARS PROSPERITY'. The reverse flank bears an engraved honour roll of Route Managers. Thomas J. Foster founded the influential International Correspondence Schools (ICS) in Scranton, Pennsylvania, making this a fine piece of American industrial and corporate ephemera.