Graff, Washbourne & Dunn Sterling Silver Baby Cup, Pattern 72
Hollowware (Baby Cup / Christening Mug) · Graff, Washbourne & Dunn of New York, NY. Established in 1899 through the acquisition of Wood & Hughes, the company became a premier manufacturer of high-quality hollowware, often retailing through luxury houses like Tiffany & Co. and Cartier.
Pattern: Pattern No. 72, a classic flared-rim design characteristic of the early 20th-century New York silversmithing tradition.
Type
Hollowware (Baby Cup / Christening Mug)
Maker
Graff, Washbourne & Dunn of New York, NY. Established in 1899 through the acquisition of Wood & Hughes, the company became a premier manufacturer of high-quality hollowware, often retailing through luxury houses like Tiffany & Co. and Cartier.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The alloy contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Weight is estimated at approximately 60-90 grams (2-3 troy oz) based on standard gauge thickness for this form.
Dimensions
Estimated dimensions: 2.5 inches in height and 2.75 inches in diameter. This sits within the 'individual' or 'child' size category.
Description
An elegant and substantial sterling silver baby cup from the prestigious New York workshop of Graff, Washbourne & Dunn. This piece represents the quintessential American christening gift of the early 1900s. It features a gracefully flared rim and a perfectly proportioned strap handle. The facade is personalized with a finely executed three-letter monogram in a traditional script, which adds a layer of historical provenance and charm to the object.
Key Features
The distinctive 'G-in-star' maker's mark is the primary identifier. The pattern number '72' and the high-quality hand-engraving of the monogram are key diagnostic traits of G.W.& D. production quality.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The alloy contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Weight is estimated at approximately 60-90 grams (2-3 troy oz) based on standard gauge thickness for this form.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-polish finish with a flared, reeded rim. It features a hand-engraved cursive script monogram 'JWN' on the facade. The interior appears to be natural silver (not gold-washed). The style is Neoclassical/Early American Revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The base is stamped with the G.W.& D. maker's mark (a letter 'G' inside a five-pointed star), the word 'STERLING' indicating .925 fineness, and the pattern number '72'. These are standard American industrial hallmarks of the early 20th century.
Construction Details
Spun construction from a flat sterling sheet, evidenced by the circular faint lines on the base and even wall thickness. The handle is cast and hand-soldered to the body. The rim is rolled and reinforced.
Functional Features
Features a flared lip for easy drinking and a curved handle designed for a child's small grip. The base is flat and unweighted, providing stable gravity for a toddler's use.
Handle & Grip Details
The handle is a 'C-scroll' or strap-style silver handle, featuring a central recessed groove (reeded design). It is securely soldered at two points (rim and lower body).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The soldering at the handle joints is remarkably clean, and the weight feels balanced in the hand. The choice of a reeded handle over a plain one indicates a more premium production tier for the time.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are crisply struck and consistent with known Graff, Washbourne & Dunn examples. The wear patterns on the base are appropriate for an item that has sat on a shelf or table for over a century.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, New York City. Produced in the G.W.& D. workshop, known for superior finishing and supplying the high-end Manhattan retail market.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Early Edwardian period (roughly 1900-1920). The design reflects the transition from Victorian ornate styles toward the cleaner lines of the Colonial Revival movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1905–1915. The specific hallmark style and the '72' pattern sequence align with the company's peak production years before the mid-century design shift.
Cultural Significance
Silver baby cups have long served as symbols of status and traditional 'coming of age' milestones. In the early 20th century, a sterling cup from a New York maker was a standard gift for upper-middle-class American families to mark a birth or baptism.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. The surface shows a moderate amount of tarnish and 'butler's wear' (fine scratches consistent with age and cleaning). No major dents or structural splits are visible, though the lower body shows some minor pitting or surface oxidation that would benefit from a professional hand-polish. Overall Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$125 - $225 USD. Factors affecting value include the maker's reputation and silver weight. Monograms slightly detract from value for some collectors but add historical interest for others.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's or Hagerty's. Avoid 'dip' cleaners which can strip the patina from the engraving. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent tarnish. Hand-dry immediately after any washing to prevent water spots.
Similar Pieces
Comparable to baby cups by Gorham (Chantilly pattern) or Tiffany & Co. (Winthrop pattern). While Gorham pieces are more common, G.W.& D. is highly regarded by collectors of 'New York Silver' for their slightly heavier gauges and more artisanal feel.
Interesting Facts
Graff, Washbourne & Dunn were the successors to the famous 19th-century firm Wood & Hughes. Because of their high quality, their pieces are often found with secondary 'retailer marks' from world-famous jewelers, though this specific piece was likely sold directly or through a smaller boutique.