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Auction: 351 - Estates and Collections
Lot: 14

A Tiffany Enameled 18K Gold Cup Presented to Charles L. Tiffany and wife, Harriet Olivia Young on the Occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary, 1891. Commissioned by Charles T. Cook, then vice president of Tiffany & Co. and designed by Cook's nephew, Paulding Farnham. 8 ¾" high. Presented to Charles Lewis Tiffany and his wife Harriet on November 30, 1891. Modelled after an ancient kantharos, the presentation cup is adorned with palmettes, rinceau and tongue-etched designs; below the lip are white enamel bosses fashioned to resemble pearls. Hallmarked and signed below. Presentation legend engraved on the bottom, along with a series of interesting familial bequeathments (the cup went to Bingham Tiffany in 1906 from his grandmother, etc). Tiffany & Co was born when Charles L. Tiffany and his friend John P. Young opened their first store in 1837 under the name Tiffany & Young, specializing in stationary and dry goods. They took on another partner in 1841 and renamed the firm Tiffany, Young & Elis. In that same year, Charles married Harriet Olivia Young, the sister of his original partner. Charles bought out his partners in 1853 and changed the company's name to Tiffany & Co. Tiffany had begun selling European silver in the 1840's, but a protective tariff led the company to turn to American silver in 1851 and Tiffany established its own workshop. The company soon became widely known for its innovative designs and masterful artistry. In a fitted Tiffany case. A classic presentation cup both historic and of the highest craftsmanship. Purchased by the present owner from Sotheby's in the 1980's (January 23-25, "Fine Americana", lot 111).

Sold for
$70,000

Starting price
$60000