Wood & Hughes 'Pharaoh' Coin Silver Child's Mug Engraved 'Bertha'

Standing 2 7/8" high, with a top diameter of 2 3/8" and a bottom diameter of 1 7/8", a maximum span of 3 5/8" to the end of the handle, and weighing a relatively light but proportional to the overall size, 2.8 T. oz., this mug is marked "WwH" for Wood and Hughes, New York City, and "900/1000" for coin silver.

Baluster form, it has a beaded base with smaller beading encircling the top rim. The area of the body opposite the C scroll, hollow handle is chased in a floral (perhaps hibiscus) and leaf spray with a defined reserve area that in this instance is engraved "Bertha" in Old English lettering.

The interior is finished in a bright gold wash that is essentially intact.

Otherwise a characteristic, albeit well-crafted, mug of its period, this is set apart by the cast Pharaoh head applied on the lower edge of the body. This was clearly a design imperative and not simply an after thought as the figure is well integrated into the chasing which forms a frame for this, and it is proportionate to the overall design.

An expression of the Egyptian Revival trend of the 1860s, this work is reminiscent of, and in the same design mode, as such patterns as Gorham's Isis, Pharaoh, and Silence, as well as numerous Bust designs produced by Gorham, Wendt and other makers.

The portraiture on the figure is precise, detailed and set in high relief. It forms something of a gemstone for this item.

In very good condition, this is without wear, deep dents, bends, or other evidence of use apart from a number of shallow creases, largely around the bulbous part of the lower edge of the body, and dings on the underside, suggesting that Bertha amused herself rapping the base. The finish shows a soft, even, patina.

Please see both sets of enlargements for detail.