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American Aesthetic Coin Silver Baby Cup Wood and Hughes 1870

.American Aesthetic  Coin Silver Baby Cup  Wood and Hughes 1870

code: wb3164

American Aesthetic Period coin silver baby cup with britecutwork border embellishment by Wood & Hughes Silversmiths or New York, c.1870. This charming little christening cup is in remarkable condition for a piece that is over 140 years old. It is complemented by a graceful curving handle and pristine gold vermeil interior. It stands 3 3/8" tall, 4 1/4" across the handle and weighs a substantial 164 grams or 5.3 ozs Troy. The insciption inside the cartouche reads "Pearl". The excellent original condition and clear, crisp detail, with no removals, repairs or alterations, make this an especially attractive offering. The soft, warm, original finish is present, with no buffing or machine polishing. The tradition of giving a silver baptismal gift is one that goes back to the Tudor period and the origin of the phrase "born with a silver spoon in his mouth". The practical Victorians embraced this tradition and included other useful items such as cups and napkin rings. The tradition held that giving a silver gift to an infant would ensure that they grow prosperous, having developed an early tatse for the finer things in life. Now, centuries later, sterling baptismal treasures remain very popular as collectibles and cherished christening gifts.

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