Lunt Silversmiths Sterling Silver Miniature Trophy Cup or Mug
Hollowware (Miniature Cup / Mug / Trophy) · Lunt Silversmiths (Rogers, Lunt & Bowlen), a prestigious American manufacturer founded in Greenfield, Massachusetts, in 1902, known for exceptional craftsmanship and traditional American silver design lineages.
Pattern: Plain / Undesignated Miniature Hollowware Line, featuring a classic utilitarian form produced through mid-to-late 20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Miniature Cup / Mug / Trophy)
Maker
Lunt Silversmiths (Rogers, Lunt & Bowlen), a prestigious American manufacturer founded in Greenfield, Massachusetts, in 1902, known for exceptional craftsmanship and traditional American silver design lineages.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), standard American composition containing 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper for durability.
Dimensions
Miniature scale, estimated base diameter of approximately 1.5 to 2 inches, weighing roughly 15 to 30 grams depending on exact wall thickness.
Description
A charming and compact sterling silver miniature cup or mug produced by Lunt Silversmiths. The underside displays characteristic concentric lathe marks from finishing, alongside clear factory stamps denoting the maker and model number 112, complete with a vintage export or retail sticker.
Key Features
Distinctive circled 'L' hallmark, clear model number '112', genuine sterling silver composition, and classic miniature hollowware proportions.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), standard American composition containing 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper for durability.
Finish & Decoration
Satin or brushed finish on the bottom base with concentric lathe-turned polishing lines, and a smooth polish on the body.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with the Lunt maker's mark (a circled script 'L'), the word 'STERLING', the pattern or model number '112', accompanied by a paper retailer sticker reading 'Made in U.S.A.'
Construction Details
Machine-assisted spinning and lathe-turning, common for small hollowware pieces of the mid-20th century, with hand-soldered handle joints.
Functional Features
Designed as a decorative miniature cup, salesman's sample, or small christening/award trophy.
Handle & Grip Details
Applied solid sterling silver C-scroll handle, securely soldered to the body.
Craftsmanship Details
Clean lathe work on the base, neat solder application at the handle junctions, and crisp, legible maker's stamps reflective of Lunt's reliable factory output.
Authentication Indicators
The authentic Lunt maker's mark stamp, correct high-relief lettering depth, and proper use of the 'STERLING' designation confirm genuine American manufacturing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Greenfield, Massachusetts, United States, adhering to strict American sterling silver production standards.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern to Late 20th Century (circa 1950-1980), indicated by the clean modern block lettering style of the maker's stamp.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s to 1970s, based on the specific sans-serif 'LUNT' and 'STERLING' punch style combined with the modern paper country-of-origin label.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th-century American tradition of giving small sterling silver items for milestones such as births, christenings, and achievements.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition with expected surface hair-scratches and minor shelf wear to the base, tarnish developing in recessed areas, and structurally sound with no major dents or repairs.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $30 and $80 USD depending on exact weight, current silver spot prices, and collector demand for miniatures.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm water and mild soap, polish occasionally with a quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream using a soft microfiber cloth, and store in an anti-tarnish bag.
Similar Pieces
Similar miniature mugs and trophy cups produced by contemporaneous American makers such as Gorham, International Silver, and Wallace.
Interesting Facts
Miniature hollowware pieces like this were frequently created as sales samples, dollhouse miniatures, or keepsakes for children and collectors.