Royal Naval Artillery Volunteers trophy
Date1878
Object number00033841
NameTrophy
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 200 x 97 x 97 mm, 0.24 kg
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA silver goblet trophy manufactured London 1878 for the Royal Navy Artillery Volunteers in Australia.
It was engraved and presented to Corps Chief Petty Officer Joseph by the Officers of the 3 (Hastings) for winning the Annual Rifle Competition in 1879. It was later re-presented by A.Joseph to Artificer Hancox in 1896.HistoryThe Royal Navy Artillery Volunteers was formed on 5 August 1873 and was disbanded on 1 April 1892.This was the forerunner of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. The Royal Navy was having difficulty in attracting recruits to join the navy during this period and the creation of voluntary forces strengthened the man power of the Royal Navy.
It is likely shooting competitions would have been extremely popular amongst members of the Naval Artillery Volunteers.SignificanceThe trophy was manufactured in1878 and will be one of the earliest trophies in the National Maritime Collection.The fact that the trophy was especially made and inscribed, demonstrates that it was of special significance to both the organisers and the winner of the rifle competition.
