Antique R. Wallace & Sons Sterling Silver Pierced Spill Cup / Table Beaker c. 1865–1885

A refined example of 19th-century American silver, this pierced sterling spill cup—also known as a table beaker—was produced by R. Wallace & Sons during the firm’s post–Civil War expansion in the late nineteenth century. The cylindrical body is hand-pierced in a repeating lattice pattern that gives the piece both visual lightness and architectural structure. A blank shield cartouche sits at the front, intentionally left unengraved, offering a quiet focal point without ornament. The vessel is raised on a stepped circular foot, giving it balance and a pleasing sense of proportion in hand. Inside the cup are the firm’s RW&S hallmark with stag device , the STERLING mark, and factory catalog number C1662 , confirming maker, material, and production lineage. 

The open construction is original to the design; no liner was intended or is missing. Spill cups were once used to hold rolled paper tapers—called “spills”—used to transfer flame from a hearth or candle before friction matches became common. Forms like this bridged daily utility and quiet ritual in nineteenth-century homes. Today, the piece works beautifully as a decorative object, catching light through its pierced surface and layering naturally into a collected interior. 

Details 
Maker: R. Wallace & Sons
Origin: United States 
Date: c. 1865–1885 
Material: Sterling silver (.925) 
Weight: 114 grams 
Catalog Number: C1662 
Marks: RW&S with stag device; STERLING 
Condition: Excellent antique condition with intact piercing and original open construction. Monogram on the base.