Silver Trophy : Picton Company, New South Wales Mounted Infantry, 1890

Sterling silver trophy in the shape of an urn, with two curved handles with embossed decoration. The lower half of the urn, stem and base are embossed with bands of scrolls, flowers, acanthus leaves and geometric patterns. The front of the urn is engraved with a wreath of fern fronds and leaves within which is 'PRESENTED TO CAPTAIN ANTILL AND THE OFFICERS, NON COMD OFFICERS AND MEN, OF THE PICTON COMPANY N.S.W. MOUNTED INFANTRY BY THEIR COMMANDING OFFICER. 11th April, 1890.' There is an engraving of two shire horses in a pastoral setting on the back of the urn. The inside of the urn is silver gilt. The urn bears 1885 hallmarks for a Sheffield manufacturer, whose initials 'RM EH', within a diamond, is impressed beside the hallmarks.

John Macquarie Antill (1866-1937), from Picton, NSW, joined the New South Wales Mounted Infantry (later Rifles) in 1889. He was commissioned as a captain and subsequently raised and commanded the Picton Company. In 1892 he was sent to India for further military training and on his return to Australia in 1894 joined the NSW Permanent Military Forces. In November 1899 Captain Antill was appointed to command A Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifels in South Africa. He returned to Australia in Janaury 1901 but returned to South Africa in March, serving as a major with 2nd Battalion, New South Wales Mounted Rifles. He responsible for the capture of Boer convoys, ammunition, wagons, cattle and a 1000 prisoners. He was made a Companion of the Bath and mentioned in despatches three times for his distinguished service. Antill served on the instuctional staff of the NSW Permanent Forces from 1904-1906 and from 1911 until the out break of the First World War. In April 1914 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and in October was appointed brigade major of 3 Light Horse Regiment, AIF. The regiment fought on Gallipoli and in Egypt and Palestine. From September 1916 Antill, by now a brigadier general, commanded the 2nd Infantry Brigade in operations at Ypres and on the Somme, but sickness forced his evacuation to England. In March 1917 he briefly commanded 16th Infantry Brigade before returning to Australia in September. He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for his war service. He continued to serve in the army until 1924.