Two-Handled Cup Presented as Horse Racing Trophy, 1699

Summary

Engraved on one side of this cup are the initials of Jacob and Mary Van Dorn, of Middletown, New Jersey, in whose family the cup descended into the 20th century. Family tradition claims that the cup was won by one of their slaves, racing a colt in a one-mile race. If true, this is the earliest unaltered American racing trophy.

Engraved on one side of this cup are the initials of Jacob and Mary Van Dorn, of Middletown, New Jersey, in whose family the cup descended into the 20th century. Family tradition claims that the cup was won by one of their slaves, racing a colt in a one-mile race. If true, this is the earliest unaltered American racing trophy.

Artifact

Two-handled cup

Date Made

1699

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

55.50.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Silver (Metal)

Dimensions

Height: 3.5 in

Length: 8.5 in

Diameter: 6 in

Inscriptions

engraved on side: VD/ IM engraved on the other side: 1699 stamped in rectangle on exterior near the top: IK

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