The Davis Challenge cup: Training Ship rowing trophy.

Two-handled urn-shaped vase and cover on stand, originally silver-gilt. The separate base is a plain oblong shape. The cup stands on a round conical foot and has a high waisted conical lid open at the top where the finial once fitted (the missing finial depicted a cutter with the crew tossing oars).

On the side is an engraving of three cutters racing, and the inscription: 'HOWARD DAVIS CHALLENGE CUP Presented by T.F.B. DAVIS In memory of his son HOWARD who was a Worcester cadet and gave his life for his KING at the battle of the Somme in the Great War. For Competition between the Cadets serving on the Training Ships WORCESTER, CONWAY AND GENERAL BOTHA. The race to be in cutters of twelve oars. The winners to retain the Cup. Challenger to give three months notice. Holders of the Cup to select waters for race. First race to be held in London 1935. IN COMMEMORATION OF THE SILVER JUBILEE OF HIS MAJESTY KING GEORGE V'.

T. B. F. Davis of Durban founded the South African training ship 'General Botha' in 1920. Training ship HMS 'Conway' had been established on the River Mersey in 1859 and the Thames Nautical Training College HMS 'Worcester' was founded in 1862. The first race for the trophy was held in the Royal Albert Dock on 29 June 1935 over a distance of one mile. The 'Worcester' crew won by two lengths, 'General Botha' came second, and 'Conway' third. The trophy was never raced for again, but retained by the 'Worcester', and in 1970 it was presented to the NMM by the Incorporated Thames Nautical Training College at Greenhithe.