Images(7)

Pair of Camp Cups

Dateca. 1775

Maker William Gowdey (working ca. 1757 - 1778)

OriginAmerica, South Carolina, Charleston

MediumSilver

DimensionsCup # 1: OH: 2 ¾”; ODiam at rim: 2 5/8”. Cup # 2 is the same size

Credit LineGift of Betty C. Leviner in memory of John A. Hyman

Object number2021-31,1&2

DescriptionPair of small silver camp cups: Flat circular base supports raised straight-sided body with gently flared rim
Label TextWilliam Gowdey worked in Charleston, South Carolina from the mid-1750s until his business was destroyed by a fire in early 1778. He made, repaired, and sold imported silver and jewellery, but little work is known by this craftsman today. Small drinking vessels such as these were sometimes called camp cups. Some silver examples with histories of ownership were used as traveling accoutrements by American officers during the Revolutionary war.
InscribedBoth cups engraved on base in threaded block letters on either side of one maker's mark “PH” and in later sprigged script between the three maker's marks “HRB”
MarkingsBoth cups marked in relief three times in a circular pattern on base with “W.G” in a rectangle

ProvenanceS. J. Shrubsloe
Betty C. Leviner