20: GORHAM TROPHY, PONY EXPRESS RIDER KS CAPT W. TOUGH

A chased, repousse sterling silver two-handled loving cup trophy awarded to Capt William S. Tough, Kansas City, 1896. Captain Tough was an interesting character in Kansas, Missouri and U.S history. According to online sources, Mr. Tough, who chose this spelling of his name over what might have originally been spelled Tuft, was a military scout, pony express rider, strike breaker, Civil War era 'Kansas Red Legs' desperado border raider, United States Marshal for the State of Kansas from 1873-1876 and, apparently, driver of 'Four In Hand' teams. This Gorham trophy with its sculpted silver relief image of a coach filled with men being pulled by a team of four horses is an award for 'BEST FOUR IN HAND' - 'TO TALLY HO' and engraved for 'The Second Annual Fancy Horse Show, Fairmount Park, Kansas City Sept 5 - 12 - 1896 Awarded To Capt William S. Tough', signed Gorham inside the base and with the crescent mark for 1895 with numerals 305.
Measures 8.75 x 9 inches, weighs 21.6 troy ounces.
Very good condition, no damage repair or heavy wear.
$1,000 - $2,000