19th Century Civil War Copper Rum Cup or Mug with Provenance

Presenting an extremely rare 19th century copper rum cup or mug or measuring mug.

Large mug. It holds 96 Fl Ounces or 3 Quarts.

From circa 1840-1860, probably from the American Civil War Era and made of solid copper, with large copper handles attached by way of rivets.

Larger than most rum cups or mugs, but most definitely in the same shape and style as traditional rum cups, which leads us to believe that it was a measuring mug to measure exactly 3 quarts of rum.

Probably American and it belonged to Major William Alexander Obenchain, a prominent Civil War Officer who served for General Robert E. Lee on his staff during the war. In family ownership ever since.

This piece was most likely on campaign with 'The Major' during the Civil War.

Beautiful natural patina!

Born in Buchanan, Botetourt, Virginia, USA on 27 Apr 1841 to Thomas Jefferson Obenchain and Elizabeth Ann Sweetland Obenchain. William Alexander Obenchain married Eliza Calvert Hall Obenchain and had 5 children. He passed away on 17 Aug 1916 in Bowling Green, Warren, Kentucky, USA.

He served as a Captain in the Virginia Corps of Engineers during the Civil War and served on General Lee's staff. He was involved in the Battle of Richmond (amongst others).

After the War he surrendered and swore an allegiance to the USA and married his equally famous wife, Eliza Calvert Hall, a noted author and later suffragist.

Being an engineer he took up a position in Ogden College (now the University of Western Kentucky) in Bowling Green, Kentucky and became the President of Ogden College until his death.

After his death, his widow Eliza (otherwise known as Lida) moved to Dallas, TX to be near her children.