2013 Finalist National Medal for Museum and Library Service

Collection Highlights

Keg with stand from Erie Canal celebration
ca. 1825
X.48
Wood, metal, paint

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collections > Luce Center > Communion cup

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Luce Center

Communion cup

Communion cup
Object name 
Communion cup
Date 
1853
Related People 
Artist/Maker: Tiffany & Co.
Medium 
Silver
Dimensions 
Overall: 3 7/8 x 2 3/4 in. ( 9.8 x 7 cm ) Silver Weight: 3 oz (troy) 18 dwt (122 g)
Description 
Wrought silver Communion cup from a pocket Communion Service in the shape of a beaker; circular body with straight sides flared at the top to an applied stepped rim; bowl-shaped base seated on a molded and stepped foot; center of the body engraved with the arms of the Clarkson family, shield with a silver bend engraved with three rings, surmounted by an armor helmet and a dragon's head, surrounded by foliate scrolls and draped at the bottom with a banner that reads, "DEO FIDENDOM" in roman letters; below the arms in gothic script, "A. V. C." over, "JUNE 1854" in roman letters; makers' marks on the base.
Credit Line 
Gift of M. F. Savage
Object Number 
1928.22a
Marks 
engraved: front center: the arms of the Clarkson family, shield with a silver bend engraved with three rings, surmounted by an armor helmet and a dragon's head, surrounded by foliate scrolls and draped at the bottom with a banner that reads, "DEO FIDENDOM" in roman letters engraved: below the arms: in gothic script, "A. V. C." over, "JUNE 1854" in roman letters stamped: on the base: "TIFFANY & Co" in roman letters as a banner over, "M" in gothic script
Gallery Label 
This portable communion set was owned by Augustus Vallette Clarkson (1828-1907), rector of the Church of St. Augustine in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. The communion set was likely a gift to Clarkson in 1854, the year of his ordination, and would have been used when ministering to parishioners in their homes or visiting those confined to hospitals or prisons.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.