Silver Plated Mug
Date1882
DimensionsOverall: 10.2 x 6.4 cm
Credit LineGift of Mrs. C.H. Mathewson, London, Ontario, 1959
Object number1959.030.004
Label TextThis silver plated baby mug belonged to Beatrice Margaret Weld Mathewson (1882-1894). This daugher of Henry Alexander Mathewson and his wife, Eleanor Weld Mathewson, died of "peforative" appendicitis or a burst appendix. She had been sick for six and a half days.
A precious metal, silver was for many years something only the wealthiest could afford to purchase. In fact, owning silver tea sets, drinking vessels, and other silver objects symbolized success, status, and prestige. For this reason, gifting silver was equally symbolic. A silver baby mug represented the giver’s wish of wealth and long life for the infant.
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