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Cup
Nathan Hobbs (about 1792–1868)
about 1817
Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
8.3 x 5.8 cm (3 1/4 x 2 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Kathryn Holmes Yezek and Mrs. Nancy Holmes Maxfield in memory of Mary Reno Eliot and Alice Rebecca Eliot
Accession Number1986.739
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsSilver hollowware
Nathan Hobbs produced a body of silver that attests to his presence in the local community. His master remains unknown; he was listed as a jeweler, engraver, and silversmith in the Boston directories from 1816 to 1846. In addition to these three cups, during his career Hobbs produced ecclesiastical silver for the Church of Christ, Medford; First Congregational Society, Cohasset; and First Parish, Scituate.
Ephraim Eliot, the recipient of these cups, was the son of Andrew Eliot, who had graduated from Harvard College in 1737 and was ordained in 1742 at the New North Church in Boston. The elder Eliot was appointed president of Harvard College in 1773. It seems that Ephraim Eliot continued to serve the church in which his father was ordained. The cup was given in appreciation for his services as treasurer of the society.
This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.
Ephraim Eliot, the recipient of these cups, was the son of Andrew Eliot, who had graduated from Harvard College in 1737 and was ordained in 1742 at the New North Church in Boston. The elder Eliot was appointed president of Harvard College in 1773. It seems that Ephraim Eliot continued to serve the church in which his father was ordained. The cup was given in appreciation for his services as treasurer of the society.
This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.
DescriptionThe raised barrel-shaped beaker has a narrow gadrooned band at the foot and a lightly everted lip
Marks
"HOBBS" within a rectangle, with an eagle facing right within a serrated circle
InscriptionsEngraved in script on body of vessel, "The New North Religious Society / - to - / Ephraim Eliot / - Their Treasurer from 1794-1817 -" On bottom: "J.F.E. / 1827 / J.E. 1882 A.R.E. 1909"
ProvenanceEarly history unknown.