Lot 852: Auburn Ala. Sterling Presentation Cup plus a S/P Goblet

Two (2) 19th century cups of Auburn, Alabama interest. 1st item: Antique sterling silver mug or cup designed to simulate a tree trunk, with naturalistic branch handle. Inscribed: MAUD M. BROUN FROM THE TRUSTEES OF THE A & M COLLEGE 1886. Maker’s mark underside for Wood and Hughes, New York. Sterling 219, with a subsequent family owner’s initials engraved underside (EBJ). Height – 3 1/3 in. 5.67 oz troy. Note: Auburn University was known as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama from 1872-1899. Maud Minor Broun Betts (1863-1940) was the daughter of William Leroy Broun, Jr., who was President of the University from 1882-1892 (apart from a 1-yr hiatus). The initials EBJ are those of Maud Minor Broun Betts’ granddaughter, Elizabeth Broun (Pride) Johnson(1909-1997), to whom this silver descended. 2nd item: Silverplated goblet that was, by oral tradition, used at one of the Episcopal Churches in Auburn, Alabama. Engine turned design with vacant monogram cartouche. Unmarked. 5 1/2 in. H. Circa 1880s. Note: Maud Minor Broun and her husband, Tancred Betts (whose portrait is also in this auction) were married in Auburn in 1888. The event made papers as far away as Atlanta and Nashville. According to period reports, the wedding took place at an Episcopal Church. According to our research, the only Episcopal Church in town at the time was the Holy Innocents Episcopal Church at 136 E. Magnolia Avenue, now known as St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church. The chalice may have been from their wedding. 

PROVENANCE: Living Estate of Sally Johnson Harlan, by descent from Tancred and Maud Betts. Additional items from this family are also for sale in this auction. 

CONDITION: 1st item: Excellent condition. 2nd item: Surface wear and some minor dents.