A magnificent collection of around 40 silver agricultural trophies won by a farming family over the course of 100 years is coming up for auction.
And it’s hoped they will be saved for posterity in a bid to preserve the nation’s agricultural history for future generations.
The shimmering collection of trophies, big and small, plus coins awarded for poultry in the late 1800s, were won by members of the Brent family. They took over Clampit Farm on the edge of Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, in the 1850s. Initially they rented but eventually they purchased the farm during the Great Depression of the 1920s.
Generations of the Brent family made their mark on the traditional, 200-acre mixed farm. Along the way, they won hundreds of awards for breeding quality livestock – cattle, sheep and poultry.
Members of the Brent family still work Clampit Farm – 170 years after their ancestors first moved there. Over the years, trophies have been inherited and divided among the Brents but a portion of the silverware is now coming to auction.
Helen Brent said: “My mother owns some of the trophies but she is 93 now and downsizing. She simply hasn’t got room for them all. However, we very much hope that by selling them at auction they will be saved for farming posterity and won’t go for scrap.
“Daniel Brent was one of the earliest members of the Devon Cattle Breeders Society in the late 1800s. These stunning rich red cattle are originally thought to have been brought over by the Phoenicians, an ancient civilisation who came for the tin Cornwall produced. Known locally as Red Rubies, the cattle’s popularity has returned thanks to their wonderful marbled meat.
“Daniel is mentioned in a book published in 1893 as having had the Devon herd for 26 years at that time. That would mean his herd was established in 1867. The Devon Cattle Breeders Society was started in 1851 but I don’t know when Daniel joined.
“He was followed by William, George, Cecil and another William, my father, who all became successful breeders and judges. My father was chief cattle steward at the Royal Cornwall Show. He met the Queen, Prince Charles and other members of the royal family.
William Brent with Prince Charles
“One of our family’s proudest days was when the Devon Cattle Breeders Society included a visit to the Clampit Farm as part of the World Convention in May 1980. Guest of honour was Prince Charles who arrived by helicopter. It was very exciting.
“The Brents won all major trophies over the years including Bull of the Year and Herd Championship. It’s remarkable when you think that, at the beginning of the last century, attending the shows involved taking prize cattle a five-mile walk to the nearest station and then putting them on a train to reach the event.
“Clampit-bred cattle have been exported to Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, America and South Africa. The Brent family have also bred and exhibited Devon Longwool sheep and Indian game poultry with great success.”
Cecil Brent
Items coming to auction in 18 lots expected to achieve over £6,000 include a George V two-handled elongated silver trophy inscribed ‘Devon Cattle Breeders Society Autumn Show & Sale 1924 for Champion Bull, won by C Brent’. Hallmarked by Barker Brothers, Chester, 1923, estimate £220-£280. Cecil Brent was Helen’s grandfather.
Cecil’s livestock gained honours again in the 1930s. A Victorian silver two-handled cup, the handles with lion’s head terminals, is engraved with ‘BATH and WEST SHOW 1936, The Morris Trophy – awarded for the Best Cow in Devon Cattle Classes, won by Cecil Brent 1936, hallmarked by West & Sons, London, 1896, on ebonised plinth, £400-£600.
Cecil Brent
Another glittering prize won by Cecil is a large two-handled presentation plated cup inscribed ‘Launceston Agricultural Association for the Best Devon and South Devon Exhibit, won by C Brent (1951, 1952 & 1954 and retained)’, £60-£100.
“Both my father and grandfather liked to show cattle and achieved great success,” said Helen. “The Brents are very well known in the Cornish farming community.”
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “As a man who grew up in a farming family, I am honoured Hansons is managing the sale of this exceptional collection of silver farming trophies. Not only do they honour a time in our country’s agricultural history now long gone, they showcase silversmithing skills from 100 years ago. They also celebrate one family’s dedication to farming life for more than a century.”
The Brent silverware is due to be sold in Hansons’ July 1, 2021 Fine Art Auction.
Catalogue: www.hansonslive.co.uk.
