Open image in slideshow, Antique, 19th century, Sterling silver child’s cup or cordial cup decorated with repousse floral, foliage, and putto motifs, the interior gilt.

Antique, 19th century, Sterling silver child’s cup or cordial cup decorated with repousse floral, foliage, and putto motifs, the interior gilt.

$ 8,900.00

Tax included.

Antique, 19th century, Sterling silver child’s cup or cordial cup decorated with repousse floral, foliage, and putto motifs, the interior gilt.

USA late 19th century

Marked on underside.

Size: H: 5.7 cm W: 5.7 cm L: 8.2 cm
Total weight: 86 g

CONDITION: Great condition.

Europeans started giving babies sterling silver items during the 18th century. Most people would give these artifacts to infants at their Christenings. One reason why individuals started giving sterling silver to little ones is that it’s a sign of wealth. The old phrase, “born with a silver spoon in your mouth,” stems from gifting sterling silver to babies. People hoped that by giving little ones these lavish items, wealth would follow them throughout their lives. Traditional baby gifts included sterling silver baby cups, rattles, and spoons.

People in the 18th century also gave babies household objects made out of sterling silver. Sometimes, adults would give a growing family a sterling silver serving tray or different types of hollowware.

These gifts were more for the parents than the child. However, the hope was that the infant could take the items to their own residence when they got older. Furthermore, just like the traditional baby items, people hoped they’d pass down household artifacts to their own children when the time came.

Gifting a child sterling silver baby items at their Christening was one way someone could cement a family’s legacy. If the baby passed down the piece when they got older, the person who gifted the original piece created a family heirloom that future generations could enjoy.

Open image in slideshow, Antique, 19th century, Sterling silver child’s cup or cordial cup decorated with repousse floral, foliage, and putto motifs, the interior gilt.
Open image in slideshow, Antique, 19th century, Sterling silver child’s cup or cordial cup decorated with repousse floral, foliage, and putto motifs, the interior gilt.
Open image in slideshow, Antique, 19th century, Sterling silver child’s cup or cordial cup decorated with repousse floral, foliage, and putto motifs, the interior gilt.
Open image in slideshow, Antique, 19th century, Sterling silver child’s cup or cordial cup decorated with repousse floral, foliage, and putto motifs, the interior gilt.
Open image in slideshow, Antique, 19th century, Sterling silver child’s cup or cordial cup decorated with repousse floral, foliage, and putto motifs, the interior gilt.
Open image in slideshow, Antique, 19th century, Sterling silver child’s cup or cordial cup decorated with repousse floral, foliage, and putto motifs, the interior gilt.
Open image in slideshow, Antique, 19th century, Sterling silver child’s cup or cordial cup decorated with repousse floral, foliage, and putto motifs, the interior gilt.
Open image in slideshow, Antique, 19th century, Sterling silver child’s cup or cordial cup decorated with repousse floral, foliage, and putto motifs, the interior gilt.
Open image in slideshow, Antique, 19th century, Sterling silver child’s cup or cordial cup decorated with repousse floral, foliage, and putto motifs, the interior gilt.