This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
The Mint Julep has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century. It debuted at the Derby in the 1930s, and today is made with Old Forester bourbon; a nice fit considering that bourbon was introduced in 1870, just five years before the Derby. Each year, almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Derby and Oaks weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
Incorporated in 1948, Brown Waterhouse Kaiser (BWK) has long been the exclusive source for the official Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Mint Julep Cup. Presented here in a fabulous boxed “owner’s set” of 12 original sterling silver official Mint Julep Cups by BWK. This beautifully crafted set was issued to Gene Klein as owner of 1989 Kentucky Oaks winner Open Mind. The exciting race saw Open Mind come from behind on a sloppy track to score her sixth straight victory in the 115th running of the Kentucky Oaks. The silver sups feature tapering sides, molded rims, and chased floral foot rims. A molded silver horseshoe appears on the sides with engraved event titling that reads, “THE KENTUCKY OAKS 115TH RUNNING – 1989 – OPEN MIND.”
Each vintage cup is in excellent condition, with patina intact. Bottoms are marked: "Official Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Cup Sterling BWK.” Measurement: 4 5/16" Height. Weight: approx. 175 Grams. Each cup comes in a green felt bag and the set is housed in its original felt lined oak presentation box. Finest quality.