16 Nesting Copper Cups with one funnel cup

[WHK621]

First off I want to thank everyone in advance for their help with this. I hope this isn't an easy one.
Also, I apoligize for the picture as it is a scan of a picture so I had nothing to compare it to for size purposes.

Background:
My daughter gave me this picture that her boyfriend gave her and noted the he has taking this to several antique establishments and they have not been able to ID these 16 copper cups with one funnel cup, (see third from left end front row). There are no markings on these cups that would suggest they were some kind of measuring system. Thy are graduated and all fit inside one another. They have been in his family for several years but I'm not sure how long.

In any case, I do appreciate any help you could provide to solve this mystery. Everyone was of great help to me in identifying several 18th century artifacts I dug about 2 years ago at an old Maryland house build in 1774. The people on this site are truly amazing and warm people.


Thanks! --Bill--

 

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[bradsguns]

Somewhere in my mind, I had a flash as soon as a saw your picture. What came to mind was Distillers Cups. Measurement set which would be known in ml, and would come with a funnel for the still "chemist". I cant say for sure, but that came to mind right away.
Brad

 

[Breezie]

They look like Jefferson Cups. Is the outside silver or pewter? Breezie

 

[aaaaaaa]

Do they stack perhaps, with the funnel one on the top?
Ie, put the biggest at the bottom, with the opening downwards, then put the next biggest on top of it, etc..
The opposite of nesting..

 

[WHK621]

Thanks everyone for your replies so far. Some had questions I'll try to answer.

I'm not sure if the outside of these cups are pewter or silver as I've never really handled them but will fine out and re-post. Also, the funnel cup is the third smallest in the set and nests at that location, (Third one from the top of the stack). In the interim, I'll see if I can get any more supporting information to post here. Again, I really appreciate your efforts with this!

--Bill--

 

[ivan salis]

religous set for giving communion ?

 

[Lucas]

I have seen a similar set of shot glasses made of horn. Maybe "stirrup cups" in a nesting set, and a funnel for a pocket flask?