Rare Antique Set of 4 Reed & Barton Glass-Bottom Pewter Tankards – 1898 Crescent Athletic Club (CAC) Monogram – Co-Branded Smith Patterson & Co.Product Overview:
Up for sale is an incredibly rare, historically significant set of four (4) antique mixed-metal glass-bottom tankards. Manufactured by the prestigious American silversmith Reed & Barton, these pieces carry a patent date of February 15, 1898, and are stamped with model/pattern number 125.This specific set features a unique dual-stamping, co-branded with the luxury Boston retailer Smith Patterson & Co. on the lower rim, highlighting its elite Gilded Age heritage.Historical Provenance:
Each tankard features a stunning, die-cast copper monogram shield with the interlaced letters "CAC." This crest belongs to the historic Crescent Athletic Club of Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 1884, the CAC was one of the most prominent, elite social and athletic organizations of high-society New York. These mugs were custom-commissioned for the club's private clubhouse bar and dining facilities and were never available to the general public.Design & Detailed Measurements:
- Total Height: 4 3/8" Tall
- Top Rim Width: 3 1/4" Wide (Diameter)
- Bottom Base Width: 4 1/4" Wide (Diameter)
- Features: Flared aesthetic, heavy stepped base, contrasting applied copper shields, and thick original glass bottoms. Glass-bottom mugs were highly popular in elite athletic clubs of this era, historically allowing patrons to keep an eye on their surroundings while taking a drink.
Condition Notes:
Beautiful original aged patina with minor surface wear, small scuffs, and minor tarnishing consistent with age. Glass bottoms are fully intact, clear, and firmly sealed. No major dents or structural damage. Base metal showing beautifully through the stamps underneath. Please see photos for exact condition.Collector's Note:
Because these were restricted institutional commissions for a specific historic New York club, surviving pieces are exceptionally scarce—especially in a matching set of four with all glass bottoms fully intact. The combination of the manufacturer mark, the luxury jeweler stamp, and the athletic club provenance makes this a premier addition to any barware, Gilded Age silver, or New York historical collection.
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