Child's cup

The picturesque landscape of thatched-roof cottages and picket fence set among towering trees that embellishes the body of this presentation cup would have charmed a small child. The time-consuming handwork of the repousséd and chased decoration made it a most luxurious gift from Philadelphia’s prominent jeweler, Bailey & Co., which is today the well-known Bailey, Banks & Biddle.

Even though it bears only the retailer’s marks, the cup may have been made by George B. Sharp, who managed Bailey & Co.’s silverware manufacturing production from 1852 to the mid-1860s. Bailey & Co.’s quality mark was introduced in 1855 and indicates an early adoption in this country of the English sterling standard. When the firm reverted to its earlier emphasis on manufacturing jewelry and retailing silverware, Sharp went into business for himself.

This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.