The Rebecca Tower beakers: A pair of American silver beakers, Nathan Hobbs, Boston, dated 1843

tapered cylindrical with molded base band and flared rim, engraved with presentation inscription, marked center of bases N. HOBBS in rectangle

The Church of Christ in Cohasset,  1843 to the present

E. Alfred Jones, The Old Silver of American Churches, Letchworth, England: National Society of Colonial Dames of American, 1913, p. 131-32.

a few minor dings, tiny repaired rim split, otherwise good, engraving crisp
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The inscription reads, "Presented to the first Church of Christ in Cohasset, October 1st, 1843, by Rebecca Tower, Widow of the late Capt. Levi Tower."

Rebecca Lincoln Tower (1764-1850) was the younger sister of Susanna Lincoln Lewis, donor of the previous lot.  She married firstly in 1792 George Piles, then secondly in 1818 - as his third wife - Captain Levi Tower (1756-1823).  He had served as a drummer during the Revolutionary war before becoming a master shipbuilder and merchant.  Between 1787 and 1817 at least fifteen ships are recorded with him as owner, and in 1796 his shipping property was valued at £2,200.  In 1793 he was one of the recipients of the King of Denmark's gold medals for helping during the wreck of the Giertrude Maria (see note to previous lot).  He served as selectman 1788-1792, as moderator in 1791, and in 1796 he was moderator for the meeting founding Cohasset academy, which was erected on land belonging to him. He was also Captain of the State Militia Company; and in 1816 Representative.

Captain Tower died in 1823, and these beakers were donated twenty years later by his widow, herself almost eighty years old.  The church records note:
November 2, 1842
At a meeting of the church held this evening, Voted that the thanks of this church be given to Mrs. Rebecca Tower for the two valuable silver communion cups, which she presented to the church last communion day, which we receive as a manifestation of her liberality & of her deep interest in the church.