Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Three-handled Presentation Loving Cup

Description:

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Three-handled Presentation Loving Cup, New York, c. 1901, gourd-form with a foliate band at waist and three acanthus-capped handles with engraved inscriptions in between each handle, the first with an engraved rat above "Presented by the/White Rats of America/filled with five thousand dollars in gold/April 28th..1901," the second with an engraved star above "To our beloved/Founder and Leader/George Fuller Golden/'Big Chief'," and the third reading "'Bravo'" above "These golden drops are golden wishes wrought/From grateful hearts whose liberty you bought/With true devotion to our righteous cause/Forgetting self and all the world's applause," ht. 8 3/4 in., approx. 56.2 troy oz.

N.B. George Fuller Golden (1868-1912) was an influential vaudeville performer in the early 20th century. He founded the White Rats, which was a labor union created to protect the rights of male vaudeville performers in 1900. This cup most likely commemorates a victory by the White Rats in eliminating mandatory kickbacks paid by performers after going on strike in February of 1901.
Estimate $2,000-3,000

Scattered minor surface wear/abrasions and minor pin-prick dents (particularly along base). One larger linear dent (1 3/8 in.) to base.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.