Museum Collections
Luce Center
Loving cup
Object Number:
1978.49
Date:
1895
Medium:
Silver
Dimensions:
Overall: 10 1/4 x 9 1/4 x 7 3/8 in. ( 26 x 23.5 x 18.7 cm )
Marks:
stamped: on the base: "TIFFANY & Co/ 10656 MAKERS 3385/ STERLING SILVER/ 925-1000/ T"
engraved: front of cup: "1870-October-1895/ Major genral Edwin A. McAlpin,/ from the officers of the / Seventh Regimant N.G.N.Y." in script
Description:
Wrought and cast silver loving cup; conical cup seated on a circular pedestal with inset bands of foliate decoration; joint covered by a repoussé chased band of foliate scrolls between two molded bands and acanthus bands; two hollow cast s-scroll handles with chased bead-and-slash decoration applied to each side; front of cup engraved, "1870-October-1895/ Major General Edwin A. McAlpin,/ from the officers of the / Seventh Regiment N.G.N.Y." in script; makers' marks stamped on the base.
Gallery Label:
The tradition of the silver (25th) Wedding Anniversary is at least three centuries old and may have originated in Germany. Edwin A. McAlpin (1848-1917) was presented this loving cup by the officers of the Seventh Regiment, New York, on the occassion of his twenty-fifth anniversary of service. As a teenager, McAlpin attempted to enlist in the Union army, but was discharged for being underage. He finally joined the Seventh Regiment, known as the "silk stocking" regiment, in 1869.
Credit Line:
Gift of Mr. Townsend M. McAlpin
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.