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.