A Significant Story in Fine Silver
"While these items may seem modest at first glance, they serve as valuable reminders that historically significant objects can emerge in unexpected places." - Erin Mancini, Fine Silver Director
Benjamin Wynkoop was a Dutch-American silversmith working in Colonial New York. Born in 1673, he belonged to the second generation of Dutch settlers in the Hudson Valley. By the late 1690s, he had relocated to New York City, where he established himself as a skilled and respected silversmith. Much of his work was commissioned by Dutch Reformed churches.
His sons, Cornelius Wynkoop and Benjamin Wynkoop Jr., trained in his workshop and continued the family tradition. While the Wynkoops were best known for producing communion silver—such as chalices, beakers, flagons, and tankards for use in Dutch Reformed services—they also crafted utilitarian objects. We are offering two examples of these in our Fine Silver Auction. This silver sugar bowl by Benjamin Wynkoop, Sr., features a period “ESB” monogram, and this spoon by Cornelius Wynkoop features a dog-nose handle. Both objects were intended for everyday use in colonial households.
His sons, Cornelius Wynkoop and Benjamin Wynkoop Jr., trained in his workshop and continued the family tradition. While the Wynkoops were best known for producing communion silver—such as chalices, beakers, flagons, and tankards for use in Dutch Reformed services—they also crafted utilitarian objects. We are offering two examples of these in our Fine Silver Auction. This silver sugar bowl by Benjamin Wynkoop, Sr., features a period “ESB” monogram, and this spoon by Cornelius Wynkoop features a dog-nose handle. Both objects were intended for everyday use in colonial households.
The Wynkoop workshop shared distinctive heart-shaped maker’s marks, in which each of their initials appear stamped within a heart. The pieces discussed here came from two separate collections, each acquired without prior knowledge of their makers.
While these items may seem modest at first glance, they serve as valuable reminders that historically significant objects can emerge in unexpected places. For collectors and connoisseurs, recognizing details like the heart-shaped mark can be the key to uncovering lost objects and unveiling their stories.
While these items may seem modest at first glance, they serve as valuable reminders that historically significant objects can emerge in unexpected places. For collectors and connoisseurs, recognizing details like the heart-shaped mark can be the key to uncovering lost objects and unveiling their stories.
The distinctive heart-shaped Wynkoop Family maker's mark
Explore all of the works of silver being offered in our Fine Silver Auction, which opens for live-online bidding on Friday, October 3 at 10:00 am. Pre-bidding is available now.
Fine Silver Auction
October 3 at 10:00 am ET
October 3 at 10:00 am ET
