Antique Sterling Silver Philadelphia Trophy Presentation Cup Antler Handles 1903

Description

This is an important presentation cup from the Mechanics National Bank of Philadelphia founded in 1809. The bank was one of the first banks to allow public investment or stock purchases rather then private funding from individuals. They were founded as a bank that would handle accounts from mechanics, master craftsmen and artisans. The surviving records of Mechanics National Bank end in 1900. Two years later, it bought back most of its stock, and on February 16, 1903, the fifteen remaining shareholders voted to dissolve the corporation and transfer its business to Girard National Bank, twelve of which are engraved as "Directors" on the back of this trophy. Interesting enough they must have felt some kind of allegiance to this particular "Jr. Cashier" as he was presented this cup 2 days later. The dates of the "Jr. Cashier" employment are listed on the trophy as 1871 to 1903.
The presentation cup is sterling silver with a "full rack" of antler handles, very unique in the world of antler handle trophies. It was created by J. E. Caldwell and Co. of Philadelphia. J. E. Caldwell and Co. was founded in 1839 by James Emmot Caldwell. The Caldwell line of fine jewelery continued until the last of the stores closed in 2009. Known from their fine Jewelry pieces, this company's wares command a very high dollar value.
The cup itself is a commanding 14 1/2" tall, x 14" wide, handle top to handle tip, the mouth of the cup is 9" across and the base is 8" across. It weighs a total of 5 lbs, 13.2 ounces. The antler handles come to 9 points which is unique as there are 5 on one handle and 4 on the other. The detail of the piece with swirls and pine cones is of the finest sort.
The engraving reads as follows: 1871 to 1903 William H. Curtis Jr Cashier From The Directors of the Mechanics National Bank of Philadelphia February 18th 1903
On the back side the engraving reads as follows: Directors Mechanics National Bank 1903 Morris Newburger John Field Thomas Roberts Henry L Eigler Rudolph Blankenburg Arnold Kohn Florence Fox Albert Pchenck Daniel Donovan John Gribbel Arno Leonhardt A. M. Longfield Edwin Halpen
The hall mark on the bottom reads as follows: J. E. Caldwell & Co. 925 Sterling 1000 Philadelphia
Item ID:
4155