Courtesy Metropolitan Museum of Art, public domain
Hi-re image: https://collectionapi.metmuseum.org/api/collection/v1/iiif/5336/25885/main-image
Various silver mugs, precious objects in those days, are described in inventories and last wills of 17th-century Dutch inhabitants in New Netherland. In her will dated January 29, 1663 Anneke Jans Bogardus (1605-1662/3), mother of Sara Kierstede (1627-1693), a prominent New Amsterdam family, bequeaths one silver mug to each of her grandchildren https://encyclopedia.nahc-mapping.org/spouse/annetje-jans-bogardus-id-660017 These silver mugs stylistically seen will have looked similar to the wedding-mugs made in time-honored Dutch tradition for Captain Johannes Schuyler and Elizabeth Staats Wendel. The maker of these wedding-cups was the New Amsterdam/New York trained silversmith Koenraat ten Eyck (Coenraedt Jacobsz ten Eyck), whose paternal grandparents came from the Netherlands and settled in Beverwijk/Albany around 1664.
Metropolitan Museum summary: This straight-sided, slightly tapered mug is typical of early American silver drinking vessels. On early New York mugs, the reeded bands—which in addition to being ornamental also provided reinforcement—are sometimes embellished with meander wire, as here. Particularly attractive on this mug is the interlaced mirror cipher, engraved within a heart-shaped reserve amid symmetrical foliate scrolls. The initials, J E S, are those of Johannes (1668–1747) and Elizabeth (ca. 1659–1737) Schuyler. It was originally one of a pair, and its matching mug is now in the collection of the New-York Historical Society. Albany-born, Johannes Schuyler became a successful fur trader and military officer, rising to the rank of colonel. In April 1695, he married Elizabeth Staats Wendell, widow of Johannes Wendell and mother of eleven children; together he and Elizabeth would have four more. Johannes was very active politically and in the Dutch Reformed Church. In 1703 he was appointed mayor of Albany, a position he held until 1706. He also served for eighteen years on the Board of Commissioners of Indian Affairs.
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Object Number: 27.85.9
Geography: Made in Albany, New York, United States
Medium: Silver
Dimensions: Overall: 3 5/8 x 5 1/4 in. (9.2 x 13.3 cm); 7 oz. 17 dwt. (244.7 g)
Lip: Diam. 3 1/16 in. (7.8 cm); Base: Diam. 3 7/16 in. (8.7 cm)
Gift of Annie Clarkson, 1927