Description:
Silver beaker, seamed cylindrical body, with an applied and cast molded rim with a double bead and larger bead straight, tapered sides, and an applied and cast molded base and counterpunch on the underside marked "L.CARY" in a scroll with a sunburst at both ends and a serrated edge on the center underside for Lewis Cary (1798-1834), and engraved in script "Church 1st Parish / DEERFIELD." By the early 19th century, tankards were considered less appropriate for the communion service; refined worship called for matched sets of flagons for pouring communion wine, and cups or beakers for drinking it. After receiving two Cary beakers from George Arms in 1819 (HD 97.60.9-.10), the church ordered another beaker from Cary in 1820; the original receipt in the PVMA collections shows the order for "1 Silver Church Cup --- $10.00" signed by Lewis Cary on July 31, 1820 and received by Mr. H. Williams. According to other documents in PVMA's collection, H. Williams is Henry Williams of Boston, formerly of Deerfield, MA. In a letter from Henry Williams to Deacon Justin Hitchcock (1752-1822) of Deerfield dated August 4, 1820, Williams writes: "Mr. Barnard the bearer of this will hand you the Cup you ordered. I enclosed the Bill of the maker - in [and] the Money you sent, were two old half crowns, which your neighbor Elizabeth Dickinson, can tell you pass for only 50 cts each - I paid ten cents the rest of the money cents and shall take it of Barnard and you will please pay him. I assure you that the compensation you name that of obliging old friends is ample recompense for my trouble as you call it - it is rather a pleasure, and one which I hope my friends will always grant me when at such their convenience." Formerly L85.19
Tags:
ceremonies Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+97.60.12 |
