Question 1

What is a christening cup?

Accepted Answer

A christening cup is a small silver cup or mug given at a baptism, often engraved with the child's name and date. It is the oldest and most traditional silver baby gift, made since the 17th century.

Question 2

Are antique baby cups safe to use?

Accepted Answer

Sterling is food-safe, and a christening cup used at a first birthday becomes a family story. Many families display them instead; either way, hand wash and dry gently.

Question 3

How should I care for antique silver?

Accepted Answer

Wash by hand in warm water with mild soap, dry immediately with a soft cloth, and polish sparingly with a gentle silver cream. Store pieces in tarnish-resistant cloth away from rubber and wool. Avoid dishwashers and harsh dips, which can strip patina and damage fine chasing.

Question 4

How can I tell sterling silver from silverplate?

Accepted Answer

Sterling is 92.5% pure silver and is usually marked "Sterling," "925" or with national hallmarks such as the English lion passant. Silverplate is a thin silver layer over base metal and is often marked "EP," "EPNS" or "Quadruple Plate." Every piece we offer is inspected and authenticated by Steve and his staff before purchase, then examined and described accurately before it is listed.

Question 5

Can I make an offer, and what is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most available pieces have a Make an Offer button, and every offer is reviewed by the gallery. Shipping within the US is complimentary, and you may return a piece for a full refund within 14 days of delivery, by mail or in person at the gallery.

Cups

Collector's Guide: Cups

From the Journal

#CD202Antique American Victorian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Baby Cup

#CC988Antique Tiffany Victorian Childrens Patriotic Parade Baby Cup

#CC727Antique Tiffany Victorian Classical Baby Cup with Bold Wave Edge

#CC483English Victorian Classical Sterling Silver Baby Cup 1893

#CC404Antique Gorham American Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Baby Cup

#BZ161American Edwardian Sterling Silver Baby Cup with Boys Behaving Badly

#CC330Antique Gorham Victorian Classical Coin Silver Baby Cup

#CB663Tiffany Old Fashioned Sterling Silver Childrens Parade Baby Cup

#CB709Italian Modern Sterling Silver Baby Cup

#BY022Antique New York Classical Coin Silver Baby Cup by Eoff & Connor

#BX008Antique Tiffany Victorian Nursery Rhyme Goosey Gander Baby Cup