Cup plate

Object/Artifact

-

Saco Museum

Name/Title

Cup plate

Entry/Object ID

2016.107.1

Description

Clear colorless glass cup plate with a scalloped rim. Shoulder has a row of circles with leaves and dots. At the center is an eagle with its head turned to one side grasping arrows and an olive branch with thirteen stars over its head.

Made/Created

Date made

1835 - 1845

Dimensions

Height

1/2 in

Diameter

3 in

Material

clear colorless pressed glass

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Object Label

Label

Cup Plate, circa 1835-1845 Unidentified maker United States Clear colorless pressed glass 2016.107.1 The design of this cup plate presents the core symbols of the Great Seal of the United States: an eagle with a shield, arrows and an olive branch clutched in its talons. A constellation of 13 stars overhead represents the 13 original colonies. The American Bald Eagle was chosen as the national bird representing freedom and sovereignty, the olive branch symbolizes the desire for peace, and the arrows reflect the nation’s readiness to defend itself if necessary.