R W Wilson Philadelphia Coin Silver Beaker SUPERB Chased & Stippled Decoration

Description

Please take a moment to read the entire description and view all of the photographs.
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Presented is an antique c. 1830s coin silver beaker by Robert & William Wilson, one of Philadelphia’s most accomplished silver manufacturers.
The surface features exceptional decoration including a band of hand-chased acanthus leaves and a rare instance of stippled decoration in the form of tightly packed, wriggling lines.
Among the finest decoration I’ve seen on a beaker.
The central reserve, surrounded by roses and scrolls typical for the period, is engraved “C.C.” in graceful period script.
Per its previous owner, the beaker traces its history back to Caleb Cope (1797-1888), a prominent financier, merchant, patron of the arts, humanitarian, and philanthropist in 19th century Philadelphia.
He was born in Greensburg, PA in 1797 and at age 18 came to Philadelphia, where he joined his uncles in the East India trade.
He soon became a partner in their firm and massive success ensued.
By 1839, he was Director of the Bank of the United States.
He was also a manager at the Philadelphia Savings Bank and a director of the Academy of Fine Arts.
By the 1850s, Caleb Cope & Co. was the largest dry goods retailer in the city.
He was on the boards of Trade, the Pennsylvania Hospital, the Institution for the Blind, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and others.
At the time of his death at age 91, Cope was president of the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society.
(Condensed from S.F. Hotchkin, “Ancient and Modern Germantown, Mount Airy, and Chestnut Hill”, Philadelphia, 1889).
The 1841 Henry Inman portrait of Cope, given by its subject to the institute he directed, shows him not too long after the beaker was originally produced.
The last photo is a c.1854 engraving of Cope’s palatial dry goods store.
The superior design and original ownership make this beaker a wonderful addition to your Philadelphia coin silver collection.
Marks
R. & W. WILSON (twice)
Measurements
3 1/4” h.
3” dia.
4.52ozt.
Condition
Excellent condition with no issues to report
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Returns
All sales are final unless an item has significant issues not disclosed in the description or photographs.
All items are preowned, vintage, or antique, and should be assumed to show acceptable signs of age and gentle use, which can include light tarnish and/or minor surface wear.
Notable faults will always be described and photographed in detail.
If you’re unclear about anything (including dimensions, color, weight, etc.), please ask before purchase.
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