Images(3)

Two-handled Cup with Cover

George Wickes (free 1720)

after 1722

Object PlaceLondon, England

Medium/TechniqueSilver

DimensionsH. 28.5 cm x W. 27.5 x D. 17.8 cm (11 1/4 x 10 13/16 x 7 in.); Weight: 1,729.4 gm (55 oz 10 dwt)

Credit LineGift of the heirs of Samuel May (1723-1794)

Accession number30.437a-b

On View

Not on view

ClassificationsSilver

Collections

Europe

Description

This two-handled cup and cover has a prominent Boston history: it was commissioned by the wealthy merchant Thomas Hancock (1702-1764) and was later inherited by his nephew John Hancock (1737-1793).

InscriptionsARMORIALS: engraved on front and on cover, the arms and crest of Hancock impaling Henchman for Thomas Hancock who married Lydia Henchman, 1731. INSCRIPTIONS: scratched on underside, 55-170

ProvenanceAccording to tradition, Thomas Hancock (1702-1764), by descent ot his wife, Lydia Henchman Hancock (1714-1777), to their nephew John Hancock (1736-1793), to his widow, Dorothy Hancock Scott, given in 1825 to her nephew-in-law Joseph May (1760-1841), by descent to Samuel Joseph May (1776-1870), to his son Frederick Warren Goddard May (1821-1904), to his son Frederick Goddard May (1861-1954), Gift of the heirs of Samuel May (1723-1794) to the MFA. (Accession Date: May 10, 1972)