The exquisite Hamar Cup, a piece of Beaufort's colonial history, now on display at the John Mark Verdier House museum.
The Hamar Cup, a stunning silver artifact dating back to 1748, has been unveiled at the John Mark Verdier House museum in Beaufort. Originally presented to British Captain Joseph Hamar, this cup highlights a significant piece of colonial history, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship from a pivotal time. Owned by the Historic Beaufort Foundation, it was recently acquired at auction for $56,700, adding to the allure of Beaufort’s maritime heritage. Visitors can now see this remarkable piece, which offers a tangible connection to the area’s past.
Beaufort is buzzing with excitement as a remarkable piece of history has made its grand debut at the John Mark Verdier House museum. This spectacular artifact is none other than the Hamar Cup, a stunning silver cup that dates all the way back to 1748! Isn’t that just incredible?
The Hamar Cup was originally given to British Captain Joseph Hamar, who served as the commander of His Majesty’s ship, Adventure. It was presented to him by the Gentlemen of Port Royal in recognition of his dedicated protective services, especially before the Revolutionary War ever took place. This makes the cup not just a beautiful object but also an important piece of our colonial past.
What’s more fascinating is that this 278-year-old cup is now owned by the Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF). The foundation accomplished quite a feat earlier this year; they successfully bid on the cup during a Sotheby’s auction and snagged it for a whopping $56,700! This was a fantastic win, especially considering the estimated auction price was only between $15,000 and $25,000.
The exquisite 13.5-inch cup and its cap were crafted by none other than Thomas Heming, a renowned silversmith from London. These pieces are considered among the earliest examples of rococo silver linked specifically to the American Colonies. That’s right! This cup isn’t just valuable; it’s a rare gem that showcases craftsmanship from a pivotal time in our history.
Excitement is in the air as Cynthia Cole Jenkins, who leads the HBF, has expressed just how thrilled she is to finally share this cup with both locals and visitors from around the world. You see, the Hamar Cup likely hasn’t made an appearance back in Beaufort since Captain Hamar was honored with it back in London in 1748. It’s definitely a sight to behold!
So why is this cup so special, you ask? Well, it represents a critical part of Beaufort’s history. The Royal Navy played a vital role in establishing Beaufort and Port Royal as commercial centers, especially during the turbulence of naval conflicts in the 18th century. The cup even features an inscription that recognizes Captain Hamar’s services from that notable year of 1748, making it all the more significant!
Let’s not forget to mention Captain Hamar’s important legacy. He was the first commander of the Royal Naval Station in Port Royal, and he helped end seven years of fighting for control of the region. You can still find streets named after Captain Hamar and his ship, Adventure, reminding us of his lasting impact in the area.
After bringing the cup home, the Historic Beaufort Foundation spent months determining how best to display it securely. Visitors can now see this incredible artifact at the John Mark Verdier House, which charges a modest admission fee of $10 for adults. But don’t worry—military personnel and children get in for free! Isn’t that a great deal?
Historian Larry Rowland pointed out just how surprising this discovery has been. The cup not only adds to the allure of Beaufort and its history but also serves as a rare artifact associated with colonial times, enhancing our understanding of the area’s maritime significance.Captain Hamar didn’t just serve; he retired from British service in 1758 and unfortunately passed away in 1773, just before the American Revolution took off. This cup might just be one of the few surviving visuals from the early days of shipping commerce in South Carolina, making it an irreplaceable part of our local history.
If you find yourself in Beaufort, be sure to check out this mesmerizing piece of our past. The Hamar Cup isn’t just a relic; it’s a tangible connection to our history, and it’s right here for everyone to admire!
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