Mug
SilversmithMade by
William Cowell Sr.
American, 1682 - 1736
Original OwnerPresented by
Abigail Warren
American, 1676 - 1754
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
First Congregational Church of Hartford
American
Dateabout 1710, engraving added 1727
MediumRaised and cast silver
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width with handle x depth): 5 1/8 x 5 5/8 x 4 3/8in. (13 x 14.3 x 11.1cm)
ClassificationsMetalware
Credit LineLent by the First Church of Christ
DescriptionSilver mug that was used as part of a Communion service. The mug has a cylindrical body with straight tapered sides, and molding at the rim and foot. A raised band circles the body of the mug, about two inches below the rim. The mug has an ear-shaped handle with a flattened top surface and a tapered terminal. Opposite the handle is an engraved inscription that reads, "George C. Bradford". The underside of the mug has an engraved inscription that reads, "Exdono A W to the first/ Church of Christ/ in Hartford/ 1727". The body of the mug is raised; there is a centerpunch on the underside of the body. The handle and the molding at the foot are cast and soldered to the body. The exterior of the mug is lightly scratched and has a few small dents.
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.
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.
Object number1992.21.0
MarkingsTo the left of the handle is a shield-shaped mark containing a star between two circles, over the initials "WC", over a small circle.InscribedOpposite the handle is an engraved inscription that reads, "George C. Bradford". The underside of the mug has an engraved inscription that reads, "Exdono A W to the first/ Church of Christ/ in Hartford/ 1727".NotesHistorical Note: When the First Church of Christ in Hartford was making plans to rebuild its meeting house, Abigail Warren Lord Woodbridge offered to exchange her home property with the Church for the site of the new building, provided that her barn be moved to her home's new location. The church membership refused the offer. Upset by this, Abigail Warren Lord Woodbridge left the Church and became involved with the Second (South) Congregational Church. She later regretted the change and returned to the First Church of Christ. At the time of her return in 1727, Mrs. Woodbridge gave this communion mug to the Church. In 1803, the church sold the cup; the cup was later owned by J. K. Bradford, who sold it to R. Cone. Mr. Cone re-presented the cup to the church in May 1881. [From notes taken from the Lord family geneaology by Emma B. Lord.] (Hudson 2/23/2006)Subject Terms
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