Samuel Simpson
Tumbler

MakerAmerican, c.1807–after 1860
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Tumbler
Datec. 1857
Made inClarksville, Tennessee, United States
MediumSilver
Dimensions3 9/16 × 3 1/8 in. diameter (9 × 7.9 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by C. Berdon Lawrence at "One Great Night in November, 2010"
Object numberB.2010.18
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Kilroy Center
Exposé

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

Made by Samuel Simpson, this silver tumbler is a rare example of southern silver. Simpson settled in Clarksville, Tennessee, about 1837, and shortly thereafter advertised that he had “received from Philadelphia, a handsome and fashionable assortment of Jewelry.” Like so many of his contemporaries, Simpson imported ready-made jewelry and silver hollowware from the established eastern shops. The fact that this arrangement was so prevalent presents a challenge when trying to determine whether an object was actually made in the South or simply retailed there. Perhaps Simpson was sensitive to this issue for in 1857 he fashioned these tumblers which he clearly inscribed “Made by S. Simpson for Christian Co[unty]. A[gricultural] and M[echanical] Association 1857.”

Related example: The tumbler’s mate is in the Tennessee State Museum, Nashville.


Provenance Research Ongoing Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Engraved on the side: "Made by / S. Simpson / For Christian Co. / A and M. Association / 1857"
Struck on bottom of cup: "S. SIMPSON" (in a rectangle) "1857" (incuse)

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

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