A SILVER BUTTER DISH AND COVER

Details

A SILVER BUTTER DISH AND COVER
MAKER'S MARK OF TIFFANY & CO., NEW YORK, 1865-1870

Of circular form, with everted lip with a die-rolled border of flowerheads within geometric patterns, the domed cover chased with strapwork and foliage forming circular reserves on both sides engraved with initials R.B.P. and the date 1870, surmounted by a globular finial issuing from a calyx of stylized foliage, with pierced interior liner, marked under base, and on liner, 1553/5303--6¾in. diameter
(18oz.) (2)

Lot Essay

The engraved initials are those of Rachel Badgeley (Phinney) Phelps who married John Jay Phelps at Dundaff, Pennsylvania, where her father, Colonel Phinny owned a glass manufactory. They soon moved to New York City where J.J. Phelps made his fortune beginning with dry goods in partnership with Amos Eno and later investment banking with Phelps, Stokes & Co. Their house stood on the site of the Pierpont Morgan Library on Murray Hill.

The engraved borders of this butter dish are similar to those on a pitcher dated 1869 in the Charles H Carpenter, Jr. Collection, sold in these Rooms, January 21, 1994, lot 8.