Two-handled cup & cover

Date1738-1739

Maker Peter Archambo I (fl. 1721 - 1759)

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOH: 10 3/16"; OW: 9 1/2"; H(rim): 6 7/16"; D(cover): 6 5/16"; D(rim): 5 11/16"; D(base): 4 5/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-632,A&B

DescriptionTwo-handled cup and cover: cast ball finial with smaller ball tip and mid-band surmounting tall double-domed cover with eight evenly-spaced and vertically-placed cast and applied straps of alternating overlapping leaf and leaf-embellished scroll design issuing from base of finial; each strap on a matted ground of conforming outline; drawn and applied molding at rim above bezel; bezel fitting within rim of inverted bell-shaped body with everted rim and drawn and applied multiply-molded mid-band; twelve evenly-spaced and vertically-placed cast and applied straps in alternate arrangement and of similar design to those on cover; straps issuing from base and extending upward to mid-band; straps issuing from base and extending upward to mid-band; straps placed on a matted ground of conforming outline; opposed double scroll handles cast in two parts with acanthus-leaf grip and double-scroll tip soldered below rim and to lower part of body; body supported on cast circular splayed foot with molded face and edge.
Label TextThe two-handled covered cup replaced the standing cup as the principal article of presentation silver in the latter half of the seventeenth century, and it has served as such ever since. Christopher Whichote, who was baptized on March 15, 1738, may have received this cup as a christening present.

The Huguenot makers were primarily responsible for the development of the large two-handled covered cup of inverted bell form. They also introduced and favored the use of vertical straps, both cast and cut from sheet, in formal arrangement on hollowware forms. The overlapping, sinuous, foliate straps on this cup are less formal and more plastic than those of intricate trellis design on a caster by Paul Crespin of London (CWF accession 1954-526). They are an indication of the emerging rococo taste.

Paul de Lamerie made similar use of straps of identical design on cups of 1732/33 and 1736/37, as well as on a number of other forms. Such elements may have been supplied to both makers by specialist casters; Archambo may also have merely patterned his straps after those of de Lamerie. Archambo was undoubtedly familiar with de Lamerie's productions. His son Peter began his apprenticeship with de Lamerie on December 5, 1738, about the time this cup
InscribedArms and crest of the Whichote family of Aswarby Park, Lincolnshire, engraved on face of body and cover, respectively.
MarkingsMaker's mark "PA" in block letters with crown above within a conforming reserve, leopard's head crowned, lion passant, and date letter on underside of base and on bezel of cover.
ProvenancePeter G. Hildyard (sold at Sotheby & Co., London, 1954; purchased by Garrard & Co., London)
Acquired by CWF in 1954.

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