An American Silver Small Caudle Cup, John Coney, Boston, circa 1700

cylindrical with slightly flaring rim, the rounded base chased with angled gadroons below embossed cable collar, with double-scroll reeded strap handles, the base engraved with initials II later altered to IRDP and later still to NRDP

Sold, Sotheby's, New York, 30 January-1 February, 1986, lot 402.

Kane, Patricia E., Colonial Massachusetts Silvermsiths and Jewelers, 1998, p. 324.

repairs to both handles, as noted re initials on base, repair to body near one handle, good marks
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.

A matching caudle cup with the same Coney mark was sold as the preceding lot in the 1986 Sotheby's sale.  Another with the same initials was sold by Sotheby's the following year (30 Jaunaury-2 February, 1991, lot 151).  A similar example engraved on the base with initials SH was in the Heritage Foundation Collection of Silver at Old Deerfield, MA (Flynt and Fales,1968, p. 84, pl. 57).