Antique American Coin Silver 18th c. Raised Beaker S. Bowne NY, NY. Please read

Description

3”
diameter across the top, 3
½” tall
109 grams or 3.5 troy ounces.
This is a raised beaker by Samuel Bowne who worked in New York City c. 1796-1817. This was probably made in the 18th c. as rolled silver (for seamed beakers) was available earlier New York City than more remote cities. I think raised beakers have been under valued over the years. I wrote an article on
construction techniques for Silver Magazine (Sept/Oct 2016) hoping that collectors will become more
attuned to their value. This one was raised from a single piece of silver, there is no solder on it. It takes a lot longer to make than a seamed beaker.
About 40 years ago I talked to a silversmith who worked at Colonial St. Augustine. He sold raised beakers back then for 0 apiece when a German 17th c. beaker could be purchased on the market for about 0. When I asked him why his were priced so high he said he couldn
’
t afford to sell them so cheaply except the government paid him to make them as an attraction.
So much for the lesson, this one needs no apologies, it is in good condition for its age, with original engraving of PJC, which if you check I believe was your aunt
’
s initials. It is good weight and nice size and will hold 8 oz of liquid with plenty of room to spare.
A comparison of the marks are available on line: Google American Silversmiths, click on the first result , and you can also see the marks by googling
“
Sterling Flatware Fashions
”
a very useful site.
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