Turn of the Century Cup
A turn of the century cup spans carved treen goblets, solid silver barware and presentation bowls from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Turn of the Century Cup
Wooden treen examples dominate the selections, featuring pedestals, covers and turned bowls in walnut, fruitwood, lignum vitae, plum wood and yew. Alongside wooden drinking vessels sit novelty items such as ebonised wooden ball and cup games and revolving egg cup stands.
Metal variations introduce precious materials to the category, including 800 grade solid silver golf beakers and parcel-gilt presentation vessels. Venetian glass wine glasses and glazed display cabinets also appear in the broader stylistic mix associated with the turn of the twentieth century.
What varies in quality
The sophistication of the turning defines the excellence of wooden treen cups, where crisp pedestal profiles, balanced proportions and clean interior hollowing distinguish master work from basic utilitarian carving. Unusual timber choices, such as plum wood or dense lignum vitae, elevate specific examples above standard fruitwood or walnut pieces.
In silver vessels, the grade of the metal, the complexity of the chasing or gilding, and the presence of documented workmaster signatures establish the standing of an item. Presentation pieces bearing specific historical attributions or maker marks carry greater documentary weight than unmarked commercial barware.
The integrity of the material remains paramount across all categories, where original surfaces, uncompromised timber grains, and intact gilding separate well-preserved historical objects from heavily altered or restored specimens.
Turn of the Century Cup Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for turn of the century cup among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
One curious treen quaich comes with a period label stating it was salvaged from the roof of Cardinal Beaton's house.
Fabergé·Stephan Wekeva·Salviati
The Turn of the Century Cup Glossary
- Treen
- Small handmade wooden objects of domestic use. This category includes goblets, beakers, lidded cups and game pieces.
- Quaich
- A traditional Scottish two-handled drinking vessel. Examples are often turned from wood and sometimes carry historical association labels.
- Lignum vitae
- A dense and heavy dark hardwood used for turning durable vessels. Its natural oils make it suitable for pedestals and goblets.
- Parcel-gilt
- Silver or another metal objects partially gilded with gold leaf or a gold wash. This technique highlights specific decorative areas on bowls and beakers.
- Bilboquet
- A traditional toy consisting of a ball attached by a cord to a cup or spike. Players attempt to catch the ball in the cup.
- Silver-gilt
- Silver that has been coated with a thin layer of gold on its interior or exterior surfaces. This finish prevents tarnishing from liquids.
Turn of the Century Cup: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a treen cup?
A treen cup is a small drinking vessel turned from wood, ranging from Georgian pedestal goblets in lignum vitae to lidded fruitwood pomanders.
These items were carved for domestic use or display rather than factory production, utilising native hardwoods.
How do I date a wooden goblet?
Dating relies on timber selection, turning style and tool marks visible on the interior and base of the vessel. Georgian pieces often display specific pedestal proportions distinct from later Victorian items.
Historical labels or provenance details attached to the piece also help narrow down the period of creation.
What were ball and cup games used for?
Bilboquet ball and cup games served as popular toys and dexterity pastimes during the Victorian era and earlier. Players swung the ball to catch it in the wooden cup or on the spike.
They were typically turned from ebonised wood or fruitwoods as hand-held leisure items.
Are silver presentation bowls hallmarked?
Silver presentation bowls and barware often carry assay marks, city stamps and workmaster signatures that record their origin. Items from Moscow workshops or German silversmiths display specific stamps from their period of manufacture.
These marks identify the metal purity, such as 800 silver, and authenticate the maker.
How should I display wooden goblets?
Wooden goblets and treen ware benefit from stable indoor environments away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity changes. Display cabinets help protect delicate turned wooden surfaces from dust and accidental knocks.
Handling should be minimised to preserve the original dry or polished wood patinas.