A late 19^th century Anglo – Indian unmarked silver presentation vase, Karachi Cutch circa 1886

Raj period, of tapering cylindrical form, the body with chased decoration of oval vignettes of a man with a walking stick carrying fruit, a chef gutting a fish, and twisting foliate forms, the front with a cartouche chased with a presentation inscription Presented by The East India Tramways Company 1886, Karachi. All reserved with deep chased foliate scrolls and flower heads, between bands of stylised leaves.

Height – 21 cm / 8.5 inches

Weight – 619 grams / 19.9 ozt

A tramway system for Karachi, (modern day Pakistan) was first planned on February 8^th 1883, with permission obtained from the government for the use of steam-powered trams. Construction began in October 1884 where John Brunton was the Chief Engineer of the project. The tramway was opened on April 20^th 1885 employing steam-powered cars. The opening ceremony took place near St Andrew's Church. In 1886 the steam trams were replaced by horse-drawn ones and in 1902 the East India Tramways Company Limited was responsible for running the trams in Karachi.