A lovely and rare piece of New England whaling history, a silver plated trophy cup, awarded in 1905 for a delivery of whale ambergris to the New Bedford Medical Association. The engraving on the front shows a whale with two harpoons, and the following text:
presented by J. S. Mayhew II
Capt. B. D. Cleveland - Daisy
Awarded for delivery of pure China medicine ambergris to the New Bedford Medical Association instituted May 1836

The engraving on the back reads:
Presented to
O. Mc C.
From
B. D. C.
1905

I’ve done some research on this cup, I believe it was originally presented in 1905 and then immediately re-presented that same year by Captain Benjamin Cleveland, which is why there is the smaller engraving on the back. Benjamin D. Cleveland was an active whaling master from 1883 to 1921, and a shipowner from New Bedford, Massachusetts. His personal papers are held by museum in Mystic Connecticut, and they show that he was captain of the brig Daisy in the year 1905.

This cup is in great condition for its age, no large dents or damage. It does have two small bumps, the most noticeable underneath the word Daisy on the front. Made by Pairpoint Manufacturing Company of quadruple plate silver, as marked on the base. There is a dark antique patina, I believe it will polish up a little bit but not much more than is shown. It has a permanent matte finish to the surface and will never polish up to a mirror shine.

Measures 4.5 inches tall by nearly 6 inches wide across the handles