Telescopic Silver-Plated 'Collapsible' Beaker Traveling Cup
Hollowware - Traveling Cup / Beaker · Likely manufactured by a generic commercial silversmith such as those found in Sheffield, England, or an American manufacturer like Gorham or Meriden Britannia Co. The lack of visible branding suggests a mid-tier commercial production.
Pattern: Telescopic Collapsible Design; often referred to as a 'Pocket Cup' or 'Campaign Cup'. No specific pattern name, categorized by its mechanical form.
Type
Hollowware - Traveling Cup / Beaker
Maker
Likely manufactured by a generic commercial silversmith such as those found in Sheffield, England, or an American manufacturer like Gorham or Meriden Britannia Co. The lack of visible branding suggests a mid-tier commercial production.
Material
Silver plate over a base metal (likely nickel silver or brass). Evidence of 'bleeding' base metal is visible in the dull, greyish-yellow undertones where the silver plating has worn thin.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) fully extended. Weight: approximately 150-250 grams. This is a standard size for a personal drinking vessel.
Description
This interesting piece of travel hollowware represents the Victorian obsession with portability and mechanical ingenuity. Known as a 'collapsible beaker,' it features a series of silver-plated rings that expand into a flute-like cup. While many such cups were simple cylinders, this example is elevated by a formal pedestal base and ornate scrollwork stem, suggesting it was intended for social outdoor occasions like hunting picnics or rail travel.
Key Features
The distinctive tiered telescopic body and the ornate, cast-scroll pedestal stem. The beaded rim provides a tactile finish to the drinking edge.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over a base metal (likely nickel silver or brass). Evidence of 'bleeding' base metal is visible in the dull, greyish-yellow undertones where the silver plating has worn thin.
Finish & Decoration
Satin or matte finish with a simple beaded rim. The decorative stem features cast scrollwork and stylized acanthus leaves in a Neo-Rococo or Victorian Revival style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None clearly visible in the image. Usually located on the underside of the base; expected marks would be 'EPNS' (Electroplated Nickel Silver) or a numerical patent number for the telescopic mechanism.
Construction Details
Multi-part assembly consisting of concentric tapered rings designed to friction-fit when pulled upward. The base and decorative stem are cast pieces, while the rings are likely spun or die-struck.
Functional Features
Collapsible telescopic mechanism for portability. The rings nest inside the base for storage. Features a stable circular foot and a decorative stem for gripping without warming the liquid.
Handle & Grip Details
The piece lacks a traditional handle, utilizing a pedestal stem with cast ornamental scrolls that provide a secure grip for the fingers.
Craftsmanship Details
Moderate quality. The stem casting shows some loss of detail, and the friction-fit rings are a standard industrial product rather than a hand-fitted luxury item.
Authentication Indicators
The visible wear-through (brassiness/greyness) confirms it is silver plate rather than solid sterling. The casting seams on the stem are consistent with commercial plating techniques of the 1900s.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United Kingdom (Sheffield) or United States (Connecticut). Mass-produced during the height of the industrial revolution's impact on silver-plating.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Early Edwardian (c. 1890-1915). The mechanical 'gadget' nature of the cup is a hallmark of late 19th-century travel accessories.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900. The wear patterns and casting style of the stem are consistent with the turn of the 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the rise of leisure travel and the 'hygiene movement' of the late 19th century, where individuals preferred to carry their own personal, portable drinking vessels.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant wear to the silver plating (EPNS) is evident, showing the darker base metal beneath. There is noticeable tarnishing and surface scratching consistent with heavy use. The joints appear functional but may have minor leaks—a common issue with aged collapsible cups.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD. Factors limiting value include the significant plating wear and the lack of a prestigious maker's mark.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a very mild silver foam (like Wright's) but avoid heavy rubbing or 'dip' cleaners, as the plating is already thin and may strip away entirely. Store in a dry environment to prevent further corrosion of the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Sterling silver versions by Tiffany & Co. (much higher value) or simple aluminum/tin versions for boy scouts (lower value). This silver-plated version sits in the middle as a 'gentleman's' travel accessory.
Interesting Facts
Collapsible cups were popular 'campaign' items for officers in the military and were later marketed as hygienic alternatives to shared public drinking ladles at wells and train stations.