American folk art carved coconut cup possibly Southern, late 18th century small hoof-form vessel intricately carved with floral motif encapsulating eagle with outstretched wings atop coat-of-arms with motto LIBERTED I ORDEN, and flanked by intwined initials VA on either side, top fitted with silver horse leg-form hook and with rope-twist rim. (Good condition, hairline and small chip to interior) cup size H2" W4" *Note: Tropical coconuts from distant lands were highly prized by Americans and Europeans alike; they regularly appear in the silver inventories of the nobility. They were often heavily carved, and sometimes mounted with ivory and silver.