What Is It ?
The Army Challenge Cup dates back to 1889 when the final was played between 2nd Batalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders who beat the 2nd Batalion South Staffordshire Regiment 2-0. Apart from breaks during the First and Second World Wars the cup has been fiercely contested, but never more so than in April 2000 with a replica of the original cup at stake as a permanent momento for the winners of the 100th Cup Final.
The Army Challenge Cup is a reproduction of the Warwick Vase, which is of Roman origin, probably made during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. It was discovered in 1770 whilst draining Lake Pantarello in the prcincts of the villa of Hadrian near Tivoli.
The Challenge Cup stands 20" high on a silver pedestal and is thought to have been made in 1812 by Paul Starr, one of the most famous silversmiths of the Regency period.
The Cup and silver medals were supplied by Carringtons for the first Cup Final at a cost of £329-2s-6d. To replace the cup today would cost over £40,000.