WHAT is believed to be a significant missing trophy, presented by King William IV to the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1835, is finally back in England thanks to a maritime antiques dealer.

The silver gilt bowl, worth £78,000 will now be offered at the Chelsea Antiques Fair.

Charles Wallrock of Wick Antiques in Lymington believes it is the missing trophy from the squadron’s annual race in 1835, the King’s Cup.

That year the winner was Irishman John Barry-Smith in his 90-ton yacht Columbine.

An account from the time stated how ‘his gracious majesty’s beautiful cup will for the first time find its way to the sister isle, and grace the sideboard of the hospitable and liberal proprietor of Cove Island in Cork Harbour’.

The bowl includes the royal coat of arms and has the inscription ‘The Gift of His Most Gracious Majesty William the Fourth to the Royal Yacht Squadron, 1835’.

How the 1835 trophy ended up in America remains uncertain.

Charles Wallrock, a member of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, said: “This is a superb and outstanding silver gilt bowl presented by the king to the Royal Yacht Squadron.

“For me it does not get any better and I am very proud to have brought it back home. It is an important part of our nautical heritage.

“The bowl has two handles in the form of a ship’s prow, one with a crowned lion and the other with a unicorn wearing a chain of office.

“There are many collectors and institutions who would love to add this to collections.”

The Chelsea Antiques Fair – now owned by the online antique selling portal 2Covet – will be held at the Chelsea Old Town Hall, from September 21 to 26.