Mug or Spout Cup
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Eunice Dennie
(American, 1729 - 1815)
SilversmithMade by
Unknown
ConservatorConserved by
Tiffany & Company
(American, founded 1837)
Date1760-1770
MediumRaised and cast silver
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height including lid x width including handle x depth with spout): 6 3/16 x 5 x 5 1/4in. (15.7 x 12.7 x 13.3cm)
ClassificationsMetalware
Credit LineGift of Sarah and Joanna Williams
Object number1932.7.1a,b
DescriptionRaised and cast silver covered mug with a domed lid, a baluster-shaped, or bulbous, body, and a circular foot; an s-shaped spout has been added at one side. A small cast finial is soldered onto the top of the raised stepped-domed lid (.a). A vertical lip is soldered to the underside of the lid. The body of the mug (.b) is raised, and has a cast, ear-shaped handle soldered onto one side. The bottom of the handle has a C-scroll. Opposite the handle is an engraved coat of arms consisting of a diagonal banner across an asymmetrical shield. A pair of unicorn heads are engraved in the upper right corner of the shield, and a single unicorn head is engraved in the lower left corner. The shield is surrounded by engraved scrolls, leaves, and asymmetrical engraved decoration in the rococo style. One side of the mug, to the left of the handle, has a tall S-curved spout (later addition) soldered over several holes pierced through the body of the spout cup. The body and lid of the mug are raised; there is a centerpunch on the underside of each. The circular foot was cast then soldered onto the underside of the mug.
At one time, a small spout was added opposite the handle, above the engraved decoration. This alterations was later reversed; the short spout was removed and filled in, and a longer spout was added at the side. The mug has been buffed extensively.
Centerpunch: A centerpunch is a small, recessed point made as the first step of a technique called raising, used to make silver hollowware. The silversmith marks the center of a silver disc with a punch, or centerpunch. Working out from that center point, the silversmith beats the silver disc with a hammer to form the shape of the finished object.
NotesHistorical Note: According to a letter written by the donors, this is a spout cup that belonged to Eunice Dennie Burr (Mrs. Thaddeus Burr) (1729-1815) of Fairfield, Connecticut. When British forces burned Fairfield on 7 July 1779, the Burr house was destroyed. According to family history, this spout cup was being loaned to a sick friend at the time, so it survived. The Burr's had no children, so the spout cup passed to Thaddeus Burr's niece, Eunice Dennie Burr Hedge (Mrs. Barnabas Hedge). It descended through her family line to her great granddaughters, the donors. (Hudson 12/1/2005)At one time, a small spout was added opposite the handle, above the engraved decoration. This alterations was later reversed; the short spout was removed and filled in, and a longer spout was added at the side. The mug has been buffed extensively.
Centerpunch: A centerpunch is a small, recessed point made as the first step of a technique called raising, used to make silver hollowware. The silversmith marks the center of a silver disc with a punch, or centerpunch. Working out from that center point, the silversmith beats the silver disc with a hammer to form the shape of the finished object.
Status
Not on view
