Silver has been given as a prize in competitions in Europe since at least the 16th century. Trophies could take the form of silver arrows for archery, or bells, bowls, medals or double handed cups. Archery and horse racing were the earliest sports to see organised competition rewarded by silver prizes but trophies have since been given for all manner of sports, arts and other contests. Silver was appealing as a prize material as it was hard wearing, could be easily worked and decorated and had a substantial value.

Silver trophies were an important business for 19th century silversmithing firms. Trophies were often innovative in design, some were shown at international exhibitions before being presented as prizes. This two-handed cup was made as an angling prize. It is decorated with a fishing scene and there is a fisherman on the lid. The handles are cleverly formed into the shape of branches, the leaves of which spread onto the body of the cup. The base is lapped with silver waves, emphasizing the link between the love of nature and the sport of angling.

This cup is the 4th Sheffield Angling Cup, commissioned by John Wreaks of the Crown Inn, Sheffield and presented to Abraham Webster (or Watson, according to differing newspaper accounts) from Leeds. Although there are two possible options for the name of the winner, he may be the person who was described in the 1877 'Fishing Gazette' as 'poor old Abraham Watson of Leeds, one of the most famous 'paste fishers' of his day', and as 'that wily old rodster'. The fishing match, in the Keady Canal in the West Riding of Yorkshire attracted over 300 anglers from across the county. A special expedition train was laid on by the South Yorkshire railway to transport the contestants and their supporters. The Sheffield Angler's Association, who organised the contest, was founded in 1809, making it one of the oldest English angling clubs. It grew to over 20,000 members.

James Dixon and Sons was a leading firm of silversmiths in Sheffield. Founded by James Dixon (1776-1852) in 1806, the company produced a great variety of wares in Britannia metal (an alloy of tin, copper and antimony). In 1829 the company, now held in partnership with Dixon's eldest son William Frederick and registered as silversmiths, started to make Sheffield plate. Six years later the younger son James Willis joined the business. Electroplating was used increasingly around 1850, and Dixon's made a wide range of electroplated and silverware items for domestic and church use which they promoted through catalogues. From 1879 until 1883 the company manufactured metalware designs by Christopher Dresser, a collaboration documented in the 'Dixon workbooks'.