This exceptional antique American sterling silver tyg presentation / champagne cup has a circular waisted shaped form onto a circular shaped spreading foot.
The lower portion of the shaped body of this tyg* cup is embellished with impressive embossed and chased scrolling leaf ornamentation in the Art Nouveau style, paralleling the shaped foot.
The anterior surface of the body is ornamented with the contemporary engraved initials 'IWS'.
The upper and lower rims of the vessel are encompassed with applied moulded borders.
This impressive silver cup is fitted with three cast sterling silver C shaped handles accented with a three-dimensional ribbon tied reed decoration, with impressive organic terminals.
The underside of this exceptional example of antique silver bears the contemporary engraved inscription 'Presented to Jean W Stevenson as a token to commemorate her engagement to Edward H Graves from his father Henry Graves, January 17th 1899'.
This versatile cup is a substantial size and if required could be used as a wine/bottle cooler; with the use of the three handles, this piece could easily be transferred down a dining table.
The later hallmarks struck to the underside of this impressive cup include:
Maker's mark: G (Gorham Manufacturing Company)
Anchor mark: Gorham trademark anchor
Silver quality/purity mark: Sterling (925, 925/1000)
Registration number: A237
* A tyg is a large English mug/drinking vessel with three or more handles. The mug was made to be shared, and handed round between several drinkers.
Explore more on tyg history here.
