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This two-handled cup and cover has a prominent Boston history: it was commissioned by the wealthy merchant Thomas Hancock (1702-1764) and was later inherited by his nephew John Hancock (1737-1793).
Two-handled Cup with Cover
Marked by: George Wickes (free 1720)
English (London)
after 1722
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
H. 28.5 cm x W. 27.5 x D. 17.8 cm (11 1/4 x 10 13/16 x 7 in.); Weight: 1,729.4 gm (55 oz 10 dwt)
Credit Line
Gift of the heirs of Samuel May (1723-1794)
Accession Number30.437a-b
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
This two-handled cup and cover has a prominent Boston history: it was commissioned by the wealthy merchant Thomas Hancock (1702-1764) and was later inherited by his nephew John Hancock (1737-1793).
DescriptionThe raised body of the cup is in the form of an inverted bell. It rests on a domed, stepped foot. An applied wire circles the midsection of the cup. Above it, an engraved coat of arms is centered on the plain surface. The rim has a slightly flared lip, and the insides of the cup and cover are gilt. The two ear-shaped handles have leaves at the shoulder and terminate in scrolls. They are hollow-cast in halves and seamed vertically. The domed, stepped cover is raised, with an applied bezel formed of seamed sheet. It has an engraved crest on the dome and is topped with a baluster finial, which has a banded knop. The marks are struck on a separate disk that is let into the foot; the solder is uneven and pitted, and the underside of the foot was subsequently turned on a lathe, partly defacing one of the maker's marks. A vent hole is visible next to the center punch.
Marks
On a disk inserted into underside, maker's mark G with a W inside (Grimwade 918)(struck twice); lion passant; leopard's head crowned.
InscriptionsARMORIALS: engraved on front and on cover, the arms and crest of Hancock impaling Henchman for Thomas Hancock who married Lydia Henchman, 1731.
INSCRIPTIONS: scratched on underside, 55-170
INSCRIPTIONS: scratched on underside, 55-170
ProvenanceAccording to tradition, Thomas Hancock (1702-1764), by descent ot his wife, Lydia Henchman Hancock (1714-1777), to their nephew John Hancock (1736-1793), to his widow, Dorothy Hancock Scott, given in 1825 to her nephew-in-law Joseph May (1760-1841), by descent to Samuel Joseph May (1776-1870), to his son Frederick Warren Goddard May (1821-1904), to his son Frederick Goddard May (1861-1954), Gift of the heirs of Samuel May (1723-1794) to the MFA. (Accession Date: May 10, 1972)