Antique Shepard Brown & Co Boston Coin Silver Presentation Mug Civil War Era 1859–1865 Engraved Emily Peyton to Tom Smith Farquharson

Early American coin silver of documented Civil War-era manufacture, this substantial presentation mug was crafted by Shepard Brown & Co. of Boston, whose "Pure Silver Coin" mark dates the piece to approximately 1859–1865. Unlike many surviving nineteenth-century mugs that bear only initials or monograms, this example retains a full personal presentation inscription reading, "Tom Smith Farquharson from his cousin Emily Peyton," preserving a tangible connection between two individuals whose relationship remains intact more than 160 years later. Such complete inscriptions offer outstanding research potential for genealogists and collectors of historical American silver.

The mug displays the clean architectural form favored in mid-nineteenth-century American coin silver. It features an elegant double-scroll handle with pointed terminals, rolled rim and foot rings, and a substantial hand-raised body weighing an impressive 143 grams. The underside retains the original circular Shepard Brown & Co. Boston "Pure Silver Coin" hallmark, a respected Boston retailer and silversmith active during the Civil War period. Measuring approximately 2 9/16 inches tall, 2 15/16 inches in diameter excluding the handle, 4½ inches across including the handle, and 2½ inches across the base, it possesses a satisfying weight and presence that distinguishes it from many lighter presentation mugs of the era.

The untouched surface tells the story of generations of careful ownership. Honest scratches, handling marks, age patina, and minor wear are present throughout, exactly as expected from an authentic nineteenth-century presentation piece that has never been aggressively polished. The engraved inscription remains attractively legible, while the interior shows age-related use consistent with its history. These characteristics enhance rather than detract from its authenticity and collectible appeal.

This mug comes from my family's long-preserved collection and has remained carefully preserved for decades. Combining desirable Boston coin silver, a well-documented maker's mark, substantial weight, complete family presentation engraving, and excellent research potential, it is an outstanding acquisition for collectors of early American silver, Civil War-era decorative arts, historical presentation pieces, and genealogical Americana.