- 705
AN AMERICAN SILVER TWO-HANDLED CUP, JOHN DIXWELL, BOSTON, CIRCA 1715-20
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- marked on base and near one handle ID in oval (Kane mark A).
- height 5 3/8 in.
- 13.6 cm
with molded foot and strap handles.
Provenance
First Congregational Church, Milford, Connecticut, c. 1715-2001
Sotheby's New York, January 18, 2002, lot 455
Sotheby's New York, January 18, 2002, lot 455
Exhibited
Church Silver 1911, no. 315
Hartford, CT, 1919: The Early Plate of Connecticut Churches, Morgan Memorial, 1919, no. 108
New Haven, CT, 1930-72: Yale University Art Gallery, long-term loan
Hartford, CT, 1919: The Early Plate of Connecticut Churches, Morgan Memorial, 1919, no. 108
New Haven, CT, 1930-72: Yale University Art Gallery, long-term loan
Literature
Jones 1913, p. 286, pl. xc
Kane 1998, p. 381
Kane 1998, p. 381
Condition
Very good condition, almost unused
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The congregation in Milford was founded in 1639, under Reverend Peter Prudden. After his death, in 1660 they called as their second minister Rev. Roger Newton, son-in-law of Thomas Hooker. In 1684, Rev. Samuel Andrew succeeded as third minister, also serving from 1707 as rector for Yale College and on its Board of Trustees.
Milford looked to New Haven and Boston for its spiritual leadership, and its silver as well. This is one of three two-handled cups made by Dixwell for Milford Church; the two others were donated by a daughter and a grandson of Rev. Newton (2002 sale, lots 453-454).
Although working in Boston, Dixwell had in fact been born in New Haven, where his father - one of the regicides who condemned Charles I to death - was hiding under an assumed name. Two other regicides, Whalley and Goff, were hidden at Milford at the same time, possibly explaining why the community ordered its silver from Dixwell.