Christening Cup
Datec.1848 - 1852
Mediumsilver
Dimensions3 3/8 × 4 1/4 inches (8.6 × 10.8 cm)
MarkingsMaker's mark stamped on the bottom: TIFFANY.YOUNG & ELLIS / J.C.M. / 22;
Mark on the bottom, a right-pointed arrow in a circle
Credit LineGift of Dale and Lila Critz.
Object number2015.12
CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextThis small cup is inscribed with the initials “GWO” in the center of a wreath of repousse and chased flowers and foliage. It is likely intended to commemorate the birth or christening of George W. Owens, the son of lawyer and enslaver George Savage Owens and his wife Elizabeth Gordon Wayne Owens, who was born in 1852. George W. Owens was also the grandson of wealthy landholder, lawyer, and enslaver George Welshman Owens and his wife Sarah Wallace Owens, who purchased the home now known as the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters in 1830.
The piece is marked “JCM” on the underside for maker John Chandler Moore (about 1803-1874), a leading New York City silversmith. Moore created sterling silver hollowware pieces for retailer Tiffany, Young & Ellis, whose mark is also impressed on the cup. Tiffany, Young & Ellis’s name changed to Tiffany & Company in 1853.
