Silver presentation cups from the Art Nouveau era can be extremely collectible. They can vary greatly in price. Sometimes it is not the silver which makes the value, but the provenance of the piece and the subject matter.
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Nouveau silver presentation cups including a Russian Faberge trophy and a double handled loving cup by Simons Bros Co.
This cup, which was retailed by the noted jewellery firm W J Proud, is a rare survivor of the first Federation decade, demonstrating the distinctive style and metalworking skills of Priora Bros, Sydney’s premier silversmithing and jewellery firm managed, between 1885 and 1909, by the Italian brothers John, Ernesto and Telesfero (died in 1902) Priora. Unique and unusual in its design and construction, the cup is a wonderful example of Australian Art Nouveau silver.
Reference: Museum of Applied Art and Sciences
Presentation silver cup to Captain Leefe Robinson, from Charles F. Wright (a fellow pilot.) [London; September 1916.] A two-handled British silver drinking cup, engraved with the insignia of the R.F.C. and inscribed, “Presented to Captain Flight Commander W. Leefe Robinson V.C. in commemoration of his achievement on September 3rd 1916 from Charles F Wright and a few friends in Shoreditch, two small dents on one side. Diameter including handles 200 mm. (8 inches). Height 160 mm.
Sold for US$ 7,012 (£ 5,113) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2021
A SILVER TROPHY CUP MARKED K. FABERGÉ WITH THE IMPERIAL WARRANT, WITH THE WORKMASTER’S MARK OF ALEXANDER WÄKEVA (VÄKEVÄ), ST. PETERSBURG, 1908-1917, SCRATCHED INVENTORY NUMBER 17308 Of vase form, on stepped square base, the spreading circular foot chased with stiff-leaf border, the gadrooned lower body above a berried laurel-chased knop, the upper border with palmette and lotus band beneath a beaded rim, with two angular side handles, marked on outer body and under base, also with Polish import marks for 1920-1963, in a fitted Wartski case 16 3/8 in. (41.6 cm.) high 76 oz. (2,357 gr.)
Sold for USD 50,000 at Christie’s in 2013
Mauser Sterling Silver Egyptian Revival Three Handle Cup 1904 The tapering cylindrical body with three reeded handles with papyrus joins with band of eyes of Horus, raised on triangular base with three Sphinx supports, with presentation inscription Wrought to express to Waverley W. Hallock the gratitude of the Sphinx Club for the faithful and able conduct of his office and his loyalty to the purpose and principles of the club. November 8th, 1904. Height 15 1/2 inches, approximately 130 ounces.
Sold for $3,750 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2020
Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Double Handle Loving Cup by Simons Bros. Co. (Philadelphia, PA), presented to John A. Hartnell, football player, military officer, and physician, who served as coach of the US Naval Academy football team in 1893, the winning team of the 1893 Navy vs. Army game; cup with engraved presentation: “John A. Hartnell from the Officers and Cadets of the U.S. Naval Academy, Dec. 2nd, 1893, Navy vs. Army, in Victoriae Memoriam”, 5 1/2″ high, 8 1/4″ x 4 1/2″, 13.99 ozt. Good condition. After the 1893 game, President Grover Cleveland banned the annual Navy vs. Army game as a result of violence that broke out between attending fans. This contest was not reinstated until 1899.
Sold for $6,500 at Vintage Accents Auctions in 2021
Three-Handled Art Nouveau Loving Cup by Ferdinand Fuchs & Bros. (New York, NY, 1884-1922), #1660, 4 1/2-pint size, retailed by Shreve Crump & Low, with engraved presentation “Mt. Desert Racing Association, Judges Cup, In remembrance of a pleasant summer, Bar Harbor, September 24, 1900, won by E.N. Benson in the Papoose”, 7 1/2″ high, 7 1/2″ x 7 1/2″, 26.98 ozt. Several body dents just above base.
Sold for $900 at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries in 2021
