South Carolina coin silver julep cup, awarded by the Fruitsgrowing and Horticultural Association of Aiken County, SC, to W.G. Mood for Best Peaches, 1859. Engraved inscription to front of tapering body; molded upper rim and plain foot. Stamped W. CARRINGTON in a rectangle to base for William Carrington, working Charleston from 1830-d. 1901. Height 3 1/4″. Weight – 3.81 oz troy. Interestingly, the cup made by Carrington was awarded to the brother of a fellow Charleston silversmith, Peter Mood Jr. (1796-1879). The recipient, William George Mood (1809-1885) was a Charleston merchant and Aiken planter, an antebellum agriculturalist in South Carolina whose varied interests leaned toward wine production by the time of the War. He became a director of that state’s Vine Growing Association in 1858, and is noted as continuing to sell his wines during the War (for a mere $1 per bottle!) Before removing to Aiken, Mood was a partner in Andrew Macdowell & Co. Dry Goods at #32 East Bay in Charleston. He moved back to Charleston in later years, but remained primarily focused upon agriculture, becoming a leader in South Carolina agricultural production and trade as referenced by his continued correspondence and professional opinions (1881) for the SC General Assembly on such matters. Peter Mood Jr. was appointed as guardian for William upon their father’s death in 1821.

PROVENANCE: Private Southern Collection.

CONDITION: A few scattered minor dents up to 1/4″; minimal scratching, some wear to mark, overall very good condition.