Whiting Silver Prizes

About me:

My name is Cheryl, and I love antiques, silver in particular. A collector by nature, and a dealer by trade, research is both a pleasure and necessity. Advertisements, articles and books from the past are fascinating to me, and since they're often the original source, they also provide valid information that might not be found in modern references.

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About this site:

When perusing old publications, I would run across illustrations of beautiful presentation pieces, produced for use as trophies, prizes or commemorative gifts, and a collection of images began to develop (packrats will gather almost anything!). From intricately designed masterpieces to simple classic models, these lovely items were produced in many materials, but my interest focuses on those made for both commission and stock by American manufacturers of sterling silver and silverplate, though a few from England and other European countries have crept in.

This site will focus on pieces made by Whiting Manufacturing Company of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, a firm known for the quality of their "Solid Silver" wares. Another site contains an image collection of presentation silver by other makers, found below in "Links to More Stuff".

More old advertising and articles can be found below, listed in the "Links to More Stuff".

In on ongoing process, I'll continue to add content, and welcome any comments or information offered.

Links to More Stuff:

In the late 19th to early 20th century period there was a huge business in the production of silver prizes and presentation pieces. Prominent manufacturers like Gorham and Tiffany produced numerous stock and special order items, but Whiting seemed particularly proud of their trophies, cups, medals, et cetera, advertising heavily in various publications.

►●► Click on images for larger view.

1891 ad, this is the earliest one I've found, illustrating the "Clara" Cup, no doubt a prize presented to the racing yacht of the same name.

1892 ad showing the Corinthian Yacht Club of New York, won by "Gloriana".

1892 ad showing the "Goelet Cup" for Sloops, won by "Andromeda", 1886.

1892 ad showing the Goelet Schooner Cup, won by "Volunteer".

1892 ad showing the Larchmont Cup of the same year, won by "Iroquois".

1892 ad showing the bowl presented by the New York Yacht Club to the U.S.S. "New York".

1892 ad showing an unusual cross-shaped medal for The St. Bernard Club of America.

1892 ad showing a medal for The English Setter Club, an 1893 ad showing the reverse was also found.

1892 ad showing a medal for The Collie Club of America, but no doggie head!

1893 ad showing the Seawanhaka-Corinthian Yacht Club Cup, won by "Cinderella". Love that it's in the form of Cinderella's slipper.

1893 ad showing the "Gerry Cup" for Schooners, won by "Marguerite".

1893 ad showing the Amateur Billiard Championship of America Trophy, presented by Mr. Isaac Townsend, won by Mr. Orville Oddie.

1893 ad showing the "Goelet Cup" for Schooners, won by "Sachem".

1893 ad showing a medal for the Columbian Exposition, designed by American Symbolist artist Elihu Vedder (1836-1923).

1893 ad showing the reverse of the medal for the English Setter Club shown previously.

1894 ad showing the trophy for the Corinthian Yacht Club of New York's 4th Annual Sweepstakes, won by "Wasp". I find the Viking drinking horn design of this piece particularly appealing.

1894 ad showing the Rockaway Hunt Gold Cup.

1894 ad showing the cup to be presented by Commodore Caldwell H. Colt of the Larchmont Yacht Club to the winner of a race between the defenders of the 1893 America's Cup. There is an article about this wonderful trophy on the Articles page on this site.

1894 ad showing the American Fox Terrier Club Challenge Trophy.

1894 ad showing the "Minerva Cup" of the Corinthian Yacht Club.

1894 ad showing the trophy presented by the New York Yacht Club to the owners of the "Vigilant" in commemoration of her victory over the "Valkyrie" in the 1893 America's Cup race.

1894 ad showing the Goelet Schooner Prize of 1894, won by "Emerald".

1894 ad showing Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club Trophy, won by "Puritan" (check out those great feet!), and Arion Society Testimonial Cup presented to Fritz Berlinger.

1894 ad showing the "Goelet Cup" for Schooners, won by "Montauk". Interesting design with braid motifs, a little duck-head on the handle and the duck(?) with a knotted neck.