Sheffield and the Ryder Cup, a Trophy with Local Roots

Let’s start by saying a huge well done to Europe for bringing home the trophy for a second year in a row (despite some tense singles games!) However, when golf fans across the world tuned in to the Ryder Cup over the weekend, how many of you realised that the sport’s iconic trophy has its origins right here in Sheffield?!

The Ryder Cup trophy, which was first presented in 1927, was commissioned by a seed merchant from St Albans, Samuel A. Ryder, who was a keen supporter of golf. Ryder wanted a permanent prize to celebrate the spirit of competition between the British and the American professionals, so he turned to one of Britain’s most respected silversmiths of the time to bring his idea to life… Mappin & Webb.

Although Mappin & Webb later became known for their London showrooms, their story started right here in Sheffield. Founded in 1775, the company rose to international recognition on the strength of Sheffield’s renowned metalworking skills. By the 1920s, when Samuel Ryder placed his order, Mappin & Webb were firmly established as master silversmiths operating at the heart of the city’s silversmithing industry with workshops on Norfolk Street, next door to what we know today as the Peace Gardens.

Despite costing Ryder around £250 (which was a hefty sum in the 1920s!) the trophy has been worth its money, as it has now become one of the most recognisable prizes in sport. For centuries, Sheffield’s workshops have hallmarked every piece of precious metal, and the Ryder Cup is no exception to that. If you ever get the chance to look closely at the trophy, you’ll see the maker’s marks and hallmarks that tell the story of its origin and quality, a testament to Sheffield’s long-standing reputation for excellence in silver and gold, and a connection to a competition now watched by millions around the world!

For the Sheffield Assay Office, the Ryder Cup is a fantastic example of how Sheffield’s craftsmanship has shaped objects of international significance. The same processes of testing, marking, and verifying silver and gold that ensured the authenticity of Samuel Ryder’s trophy continues today on Beulah Road, and has done for 252 successful years after the Sheffield Assay Office first opened its doors in 1773.

So, when Europe and the USA go head-to-head for the Ryder Cup again in 2027 (and hopefully clinch a third consecutive win!), remember… this iconic trophy has Sheffield steel and silver at its very heart!

Photo by Mick De Paola on Unsplash

The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.

To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,

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