One-handled Cup

This modestly scaled domestic vessel was probably similar to the “Silver Cup with one ear, weighing about 3 ounces and 12 grains” given in 1728 by diarist Samuel Sewall to Elizabeth Sewall, wife of his son Joseph Sewall, a minister. This small cup, essentially a short beaker with handle, is one of about eight made by Vernon; each has a plain or drawn molded strap handle and stepped baseband. All were probably fashioned within the first several decades of the eighteenth century.

The cup was passed down for six generations in the matrilineal line and is engraved with the women’s birth dates; Elizabeth Wanton was the first owner. Despite the engraved date of “1691,” it probably came into her possession sometime after 1704, the earliest possible date that Vernon could have fashioned it. Wanton’s birth date and initials were engraved later, perhaps at or near her death, establishing precedent for later inscriptions.

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.