We are pleased to present a rare and historically significant sterling silver trophy, fully hallmarked for London with a date letter for 1890 and the maker’s mark of William Gibson & John Langman. This exceptional trophy was engraved in Welsh with the inscription:

“Cystaoleuaeth I Gorau Mibion, Cfylwymedig Gan, Captain Geoffrey Crawshay.”
This translates to “Competition for male voice choirs presented by Captain Geoffrey Crawshay.”
The reverse of the trophy is engraved with “Eisteddfod Hendy Pontardulais”, further solidifying its importance as part of the Eisteddfod tradition.

Dimensions & Condition:

• Height: Approximately 9 inches
• Weight: Approximately 280 grams

This stunning trophy is in good condition, with no dents or repairs. It shows the elegance and craftsmanship typical of the Victorian era, with its sterling silver finish remaining intact and highly presentable.

Historical Significance:

This trophy carries two remarkable connections that make it an important historical artifact:

1. Eisteddfod Connection:
   The Eisteddfod, a celebration of Welsh culture, language, and song, has been a prestigious event for centuries. This trophy was awarded at the Hendy Pontardulais Eisteddfod, likely as a prize for the best male voice choir. According to information from the Eisteddfod, the trophy was presented to the winning choir, who would retain it for a year before returning it for the following year’s competition. The tradition of presenting a trophy like this one would have been a way to add prestige and draw more competitors, ensuring the continuity and reputation of the competition for decades.
2. The Crawshay Family Legacy:
   Captain Geoffrey Crawshay, the donor of the trophy, was an influential figure in the history of South Wales. As the Great-Great-Great-grandson of Richard Crawshay, the ironmaster who oversaw the first major expansion of Cyfarthfa Ironworks and commissioned Cyfarthfa Castle, Captain Crawshay was a key member of the Crawshay family, renowned for their contributions to the industrial development of the South Wales Valleys.Captain Crawshay himself was a decorated military officer, having served in the Battle of Loos during World War I. Rising to the rank of Captain, he was not only a soldier but also a passionate supporter of Welsh culture. A member of the Gorsedd of Bards, he took on the bardic name ‘Sieffre o Gyfarthfa’, and despite not growing up speaking Welsh, he learned the language as an adult to fulfill his bardic duties. His dedication to Welsh music and culture was evident through his military choir, which won prestigious Eisteddfod prizes.

A Dual Legacy:

This trophy embodies both Welsh culture and the Crawshay family’s legacy. Whether it was awarded to Captain Crawshay for presenting the winning choir or if he was presenting the prize as a previous winner, the trophy remains inextricably linked to the vibrant history of Welsh music and the Crawshay family’s influence on the South Wales region.

Conclusion:

This sterling silver Eisteddfod trophy is an invaluable piece of Welsh history, encapsulating both the cultural importance of the Eisteddfod tradition and the industrial legacy of the Crawshay family. The craftsmanship, historical ties, and unique provenance make it a museum-quality artifact, perfect for collectors of historical Welsh memorabilia or those with an interest in the industrial heritage of South Wales.

This rare piece of Welsh cultural history deserves to be preserved and celebrated for the legacy it represents, and it offers significant historical and aesthetic value for its future custodian.