Enjoy it on video: Harrogate Antiques Fair

The Richmond Race Cup, was lovingly crafted in London in 1794 and is on sale at the Harrogate Antique Fair for £42,500.

Edward Bourdon-Smith, of JH Bourdon Smith Ltd, in London, which is selling the silver-gilt sporting trophy, said one of the cups had been made each year to hand out to the winner.

“It became quite a prestigious thing for the silversmiths to make the cup,” Mr Bourdon-Smith added.

The cup he has brought to prestigious event at the Harrogate International Centre, which begins today, was made by Robert and Thomas Makepeace and is among the rare and valuable items including works of art, furniture, clocks, rugs and unusual items on display.

Among items on sale this year will be paintings by LS Lowry 
and a presentation copy of The History of Harrogate and Knaresborough, which was presented to Sir John Betjeman on his appointment as Poet Laureate.

More unusual curios include a silver novelty pin cushion, shaped in the form of a Christmas cracker, that when opened reveals a surprise compartment with space for an engagement ring.

Sheldon Shapiro, of Shapiro & Co, in London, which is selling the item, said: “A lot of proposals were made at Christmas in Victorian Times.”

Enthusiasts could also pick up a pair of pistols, in a leather carrying case, which is valued at £12,500, being sold by Garth Vincent Antique Arms and Armour, of Grantham.

The fair will open today 2pm-8pm, Thursday 11am-8.30pm, Friday and Saturday, 11am-6pm and on Sunday 11am-5pm.