Ohio Finds: Ohio State Fair Cup

Taking home a blue ribbon from the Ohio State Fair is a commendable achievement, but this wasn’t always awarded as the top prize. As far back as the ancient Greek Olympic games, cups and chalices have been common prizes for all manner of contests, and in the 19th century, they were often made of silver, such as this “Ohio State Board of Agriculture Premium” vessel.

In the mid-1800s, silver manufacturing firms were consolidating, with the production of goods moving away from local shops to larger regional firms that sent work out to be finished by local retailers. Such is the case with this cup, which was manufactured by William Gale and Son of New York and then retailed by Cowles and Albertson in Cleveland. In 1852, the Ohio State Fair was held in Cleveland, making it most likely the year this cup was awarded as a prize.

In the years following the Civil War, silver plate began to rapidly displace solid silver in manufactured goods, and the transition was made from awarding cups and medals at the fair to the more easily produced ribbons.

Sold: $338.25

Hollie Davis is a co-owner of Meander Auctions in Whipple, Ohio. meanderauctions.com

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