Images(6)

Two-handled cup and cover

Date1778-1779

Artist/Maker Matthew Boulton & John Fothergill

OriginEngland, Birmingham

MediumSilver (sterling)

DimensionsOH: 12", 64.4 oz

Credit LineGift of John A. Hyman: The John A. Hyman Collection.

Object number1992-4,A&B

DescriptionTwo-handled cup and cover with four oval panels, chased with classical female figure, engraved with crest, coat of arms and inscription, decorated with shells, acanthus and fluting with bulrush, reed, and ribbon handles on a pedestal base.

The object is a silver two-handled covered cup which is chased, engraved, and has applied ornamentation. The cup stands on an eight-sided, convex stand which has repeating flowers encased in a revolving band. Above this is a beaded band. A fluted baluster surmounts the base which at the terminal becomes acanthus leaves. The bowl is a conglomeration of chased, engraved, and applied ornamentation. The base of the bowl begins with a chased leaf pattern, above this, is an applied band with three repeating strains wrapped by flat ribbon. Above the ban, is a set of four cartouches attached together by dipping vine. The two side cartouches, closest to the handles, are female figures. The front cartouche has a shield with a ship above it. Above the cartouches is another band with a repeating shell pattern. On the top band, the handles are attached with stylized acanthus leaf decoration. This is surmounted by an applied band at the lip and chased leaf decoration. This lip has a stylized, applied band and chased leaf decoration. This is surmounted by a finial made up of acanthus leaves and an up-sided pineapple.
Label TextThis splendid neoclassical cup was presented by grateful insurers to Henry Duncan, Commander of Admiral Howe's flagship, for saving the cargo on a ship that had run aground at the head of the Chesapeake Bay in 1777. In the summer of that year, a massive British fleet of nearly 300 ships under Vice Admiral Howe, transporting 30,000 soldiers, sailed up the Chesapeake Bay to the Elk River in Maryland in preparation for the Philadelphia campaign.

InscribedTo / Henry Duncan Esqr / Comm.dr of his Majtys Ship / the Eagle / By whose generous Care / And unremited Attention / The Cargo of the Brig Dolphin / was preserved / When she got aground at the / head of the Elk in 1777 / At the Critical time his Britanic / Majtys Forces were quitting that Place / This Tribute of Gratitude is most cordially presented
by / the Insurers.
Markings1) sponsor's mark; 2) date letter "F"; 3) lion passant, 4) anchor for Birmingham

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