A pair of American silver beakers, Jacob Hurd, Boston, circa 1737

each of tall flaring form on molded base, engraved with arms in baroque cartouche over "The Gift of Theo: Burrill Esq / to the first Church of Christ in / Lynn."

First Church of Christ, Lynn, Massachusetts
Sotheby's, New York, June 19, 1992, lot 87

Boston, Museum of Fine Arts, 1909-1929
American Church Silver of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries, with a few pieces of Domestic Plate. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, July-December 1911, nos. 639-640.
Lynn, MA, Lynn Historical Society, circa 1955-May 1967
An American Sampler: Selections from the Ruth J. Nutt Collection, Seattle Art Musuem, May 2002- July 2005

John Albree & Ellen Burrill, "The Old Communion Service and its Donors," published in the 275th Anniversary Book, 1907
E. Alfred Jones, The Old Silver of American Churches, 1913, p. 256, pl. LXXXIV
Hollis French, Jacob Hurd and his sons, Nathaniel and Benjamin, Silversmiths: 1702-1781, 1939, p. 32, no. 30-31
Patricia E. Kane, Colonial Massachusetts Silversmith and Jewelers, 1998, p. 256

Interior bases slightly corroded by leaving traces of wine, small repair to one foot rim at seam, barely noticble, otherwise excellent, almost mint, with crisp and sparkling engraving
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 first church in Lynn was organized in 1632, the fifth in Massachusetts Bay Colony.  In 1682 a new building, the Old Tunnel Meeting House, was built, and served until 1827.

Colonel Theophilus Burrill (1669-1737) was the son of John and Lois (Ivory) Burrill, and grandson of George Burrill, one of the founding settlers of Lynn. Like his brother the Hon. John Burrill (see lot 1330), he was active in the political and religious life of the Lynn community, being clerk and treasurer.  His will dated June 14, 1737, reads, "I give unto the First Church of Christ in Lynn One Hundred Pounds in passable Bills of Credit to purchase such Plate for ye use of ye Communion Table as may be thought property by my Executrix and ye Pastor of s'd Church within Six months after my Decease."

A part of this sum was spent in buying these two beakers, together with a tankard and an alms dish.  He also left bequests to the First Church in Lynnfield and to the Third Church of Lynn.  He also bequeathed £30 to Rev. Nathaniel Henchman, and, according to the inscription, this money was used for buying a silver teapot and sugar bowl.