Silver Cups At Wadsworth Atheneum

HARTFORD — A rare colonial caudle cup acquired by the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and an equally historic cup purchased by a private collector at Sotheby’s January 21 auction of silver from The First Church of Christ Congregational in Farmington are on view at the Wadsworth Atheneum. The Atheneum’s new acquisition is one of only eight surviving pieces by David Jesse (circa 1695-1700).

Initials on its base (A and A+M) suggest that the cup originally was used in the home of Alexander and Mary Allyn, who were married in Windsor in 1693. Who made the gift of the cup to the Farmington Church is unknown, but it was likely to have been after 1711.

Jeremiah Drummer, New England’s first native-born silversmith, made the other pear-form cup with double S-scroll handles circa 1675.

The pricked initials on it are those of its original owners, Reverend John Wilson II of Medfield, Mass., and his wife Sarah Hooker. She was the daughter of Thomas Hooker, who led his congregation from Massachusetts to found Hartford in 1636.

The cup’s new owner, John G. Talcott, Jr, is descended from the John Talcott who was among Rev Hooker’s group. He has generously offered to loan it to the Wadsworth Atheneum for six months every year.

The Atheneum is at 600 Main Street. For info, call 860-278-2670 or visit www.WadsworthAtheneum.org.