Lot 82: Alabama retailed Coin Silver Cup, G. Braune

Rare antebellum Coin Silver Cup or Mug, retailed by Gustave Braune of Eutaw, Alabama. Flared beaded upper and lower rims enclosing a pear shaped body with deep repousse ovolo band over repousse floral decoration and a cartouche engraved "Gertie". Stamped G. BRAUNE and T.E. & Co. for retailer Gustave Braune and maker Theodore Evans of New York, along with a rubbed date mark, possibly 1855. 3 1/3"H, 3.43 oz troy. Note: According to Made in Alabama: A State Legacy (Birmingham Museum of Art, 1995), German born silversmith and jeweler Gustave Baum moved to the United States in 1836, working briefly in Milwaukee, Wisconsin before going to Rome, Georgia, and by 1853 had settled in Eutaw, Alabama. He sold wares brought back from Germany as well as from New York. Braune was a founder and board member of the First National Bank of Eutaw and also owned and operated an Opera House there. He died in 1898. At the time of publication, the authors stated no hollowware marked by Braune had been found.

PROVENANCE: Estate of Judge John Nixon, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Possible small solder repair to lower terminus of handle, otherwise very good condition with some scattered small scratches and tiny dents; wear to Evans mark.