Historical information

Presented to the Major The Honorable F. T. Sargood together with the V.R.A. Challenge Cup on 8 December 1876. The cup was competed for by all the volunteer corps in Victoria.
The following extract is from The Argus (Melb), Sat 9 Dec 1876, page 9 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5912315
The second quarterly official inspection of the St Kilda Battery was held last night by Colonel Anderson. The gun drill was held in the orderly-room, and afterwards the corps was put through field movements in the drill around. At the termination of the inspection Colonel Anderson expressed his satisfaction at the manner in which the drill had been performed. Colonel Anderson then presented Major Sargood with the Victorian Rifle Association Challenge Cap, which had been won by the St. Kilda Battery three times. The cup has been competed for the last 12 years, and in that time the cost of the ammunition used in the contest and markers' fees amounted to about £3.000. The value of the cup is 20 guineas. An address to Major Sargood was then read by Captain Hearn. On receiving the cup Major Sargood said that he was afraid from the state of his health he would either have to retire from command of the battery, or obtain a long leave of absence. He said that six years ago he bad been presented with a sword which he wore that evening, and he was glad to see that there was no diminution of the goodwill then expressed towards him.

Physical description

Red leather folder lined with ecru coloured watered silk containing a illuminated copy of the address on the presentation of the V.R.A. Challenge Cup to Major The Honorable F. T. Sargood. The cover has a gilt decorated embossing around its border and gilt text.

Inscriptions & markings

On front: "ADDRESS TO MAJOR THE HON. F. T. SARGOOD." "ST KILDA BATTERY" "R.V.V.A."