Tiffany & Co. Early 20th Century Sterling Silver Baby Cup / Child's Mug
Hollowware - Drinking Vessel (Baby Cup / Child's Mug) · Tiffany & Co., the premier American jeweler and silversmith founded in 1837. This piece carries the 'M' director's mark for John C. Moore II, who oversaw silver production during one of the firm's most prestigious eras.
Pattern: Classical Revival with Reeded Borders; a bespoke or semi-custom design typical of Tiffany's early 20th-century nursery silver.
Type
Hollowware - Drinking Vessel (Baby Cup / Child's Mug)
Maker
Tiffany & Co., the premier American jeweler and silversmith founded in 1837. This piece carries the 'M' director's mark for John C. Moore II, who oversaw silver production during one of the firm's most prestigious eras.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Features 925-1000 stamp indicating the American silver standard.
Dimensions
Approximately 3 inches in height with a 2.5-inch rim diameter. Estimated weight is 120-150 grams (approx. 4-5 troy ounces).
Description
A classic example of Tiffany & Co. luxury nursery silver. This sterling silver baby cup represents the American tradition of gifting 'christening silver.' It features a flared silhouette, elegant reeded banding, and a substantial weight that denotes quality over mass-produced alternatives. The dated engraving adds a layer of historical provenance, typical of heirloom pieces from prominent families.
Key Features
The 'M' director's mark, the specific 1909 date engraving, and the pattern/order number sequence unique to Tiffany's archival record-keeping.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Features 925-1000 stamp indicating the American silver standard.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with decorative reeded (parallel grooved) borders at the rim and base. It features custom 'Blackletter' or Gothic-style engraving: 'Chauncey Hayden Jr. Nov. 28, 1909'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
TIFFANY & CO / 7665 B MAKERS 7740 / STERLING SILVER / 925-1000 / M. The '7665' is the pattern number, '7740' is the order number, and 'M' is the directorship mark of John C. Moore II (1907-1947).
Construction Details
Spun and raised construction from heavy gauge sterling sheet. The handle is cast and hand-soldered to the body with reinforced attachment points.
Functional Features
Tapered body for stability, flared rim for ease of drinking, and a sturdy C-scroll handle designed for a child's grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver C-scroll handle with a subtle thumb rest, joined to the body at two points. The handle shows high-quality seamless soldering.
Craftsmanship Details
Evident in the precision of the reeded borders and the crispness of the engraving. The '7665' pattern number indicates a master design that was hand-finished to order.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are struck with correct serif fonts and spacing consistent with 1907-1947 production. The weight and gauge of the silver are heavy, consistent with Tiffany's 'M' period standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in New York City, USA at the Tiffany & Co. silver workshops, renowned for their adherence to the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Era & Period
Edwardian / Progressive Era (circa 1909). The design reflects the Neoclassical restraint popular in America during the early 20th century.
Age Estimate
Dated to 1909 based on the personalized engraving; confirmed by the 'M' director's mark which began in 1907.
Cultural Significance
Represents the late 19th and early 20th-century American social custom of 'silver spoon' status—gifting infants precious metal objects to ensure a prosperous life.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good antique condition. Significant tarnish/oxidation visible on the exterior surface. Minor surface scratches and very small dings consistent with use by a child. No signs of major structural repair or handle instability.
Value Estimate
$350 - $550 USD. Value is driven by the Tiffany & Co. brand and the 'M' period mark, though the specific 'Chauncey Hayden Jr.' monogram may slightly limit the market compared to unmonogrammed pieces.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle hand polishing with Wright's Silver Cream or a similar non-abrasive paste is recommended. Avoid silver dips which can strip the internal patina. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Puritan' cups or Reed & Barton 'Francis I' baby mugs. Tiffany pieces generally command a 30-50% premium over these competitors due to brand prestige.
Interesting Facts
During this era, Tiffany & Co. baby cups were the gold standard for aristocratic christening gifts. The pattern and order numbers help historians track exactly when a design was first drafted in the Tiffany ledgers.