Wallace Silversmiths Sterling Silver Baby Cup/Mug with Monogram and Presentation Date
Hollowware (Baby Cup / Christening Mug) · Wallace Silversmiths (Wallingford, Connecticut). Founded by Robert Wallace in 1835, they are one of America's most prestigious silver manufacturers, known for high-quality hollowware and iconic flatware patterns.
Pattern: Simple Plain/Classic Design, Model Number D273; Mid-20th Century standard production.
Type
Hollowware (Baby Cup / Christening Mug)
Maker
Wallace Silversmiths (Wallingford, Connecticut). Founded by Robert Wallace in 1835, they are one of America's most prestigious silver manufacturers, known for high-quality hollowware and iconic flatware patterns.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no weighted base or mixed materials.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 2.25 to 2.5 inches; diameter: 2 inches. Roughly 2.5 to 3.5 troy ounces (typical for this model size).
Description
A classic 1940 sterling silver baby cup by Wallace Silversmiths. This piece represents a quintessential American christening or birth gift from the mid-20th century. Its simple, undecorated form allows the quality of the sterling silver and the elegance of the personalized engraving to remain the focal point. It features a traditional rolled rim and a sturdy handle, representing the timeless 'heirloom' quality associated with the Wallace brand.
Key Features
Visible 1940 date engraving, official Wallace 'W' hallmark, specific model number D273, and high-quality Gothic script monogram.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no weighted base or mixed materials.
Finish & Decoration
High polish mirror finish (currently heavy tarnish). Features a rolled rim, a simple C-curve handle, and custom hand-engraved Gothic/Old English style initials on the side. The base features a hand-engraved presentation date: 'May 25, 1940'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The base is stamped with the Wallace Silversmiths hallmark (a 'W' inside a stylized stag's head/shield), followed by 'STERLING' and the model number 'D273'. Below this is the engraved presentation date.
Construction Details
Spun silver body with a machine-rolled rim. The handle is likely hollow-cast or tube-formed and hand-applied with silver solder. The base is integrated through the spinning process.
Functional Features
Open drinking vessel specifically sized for an infant or toddler. Features a sturdy flared base and reinforced rim to prevent sharp edges and provide durability against drops.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver C-shaped handle, soldered at two points (top and bottom) to the body. Ergonomically sized for a child's small hand.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent factory-grade production. The soldering joints at the handle are seamless, and the spinning process has maintained a consistent wall thickness despite the dents sustained over time.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark is crisp and consistently struck; the 'D' prefix on the model number is characteristic of Wallace hollowware; wear patterns on the bottom and rim are consistent with an 80-year-old soft metal object.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Wallingford, Connecticut. Produced at the main Wallace factory during a peak period of American silver manufacturing.
Era & Period
Late Art Deco / Early Mid-Century Modern (1940). This era favored clean, unadorned surfaces that showcased the quality of the metal and the personalization of the engraving.
Age Estimate
Precisely dated to 1940. The hallmark and engraving style are perfectly consistent with this specific date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American tradition of 'silver spoon' (or in this case, silver cup) gifts, symbolizing a wish for the child's prosperity and providing a tangible asset of intrinsic value for the family.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The item shows heavy tarnish (sulfide deposits) and multiple small surface dents or 'pitting' consistent with use by a child. There is significant scratching and some deformation to the circularity of the rim and base.
Value Estimate
$75 - $125 USD. Value is largely driven by its silver weight (melt value) plus a small premium for the maker's name. Dents and monograms generally decrease 'collector' value but preserve 'sentimental' or 'scrap' value.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a thorough cleaning with a liquid silver foam or cream (like Wright's) using a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive pads. Once cleaned, store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Comparable cups by Tiffany & Co. or Gorham may feature more ornate 'Repoussé' work or 'Chantilly' style handles, which generally command higher prices than this minimalist Wallace design.
Interesting Facts
Baby cups have been a traditional gift of wealth and health since the 17th century. By 1940, giving a sterling cup was a standard middle-to-upper-class tradition in the U.S., often used to commemorate a baptism or first birthday.