Lot Essay
This vase is closely related to an example from the Wagstaff Collection, sold in these rooms, January 20, 1989, lot 212 and again on January 27, 1996, lot 53.
Details
A SILVER AND MIXED-METAL PITCHER
MAKER'S MARK OF WHITING MFG. CO., CIRCA 1881
Baluster, the spot-hammered surface engraved with foliage and with copper inlay and applied with foliage and a bird, with HON. THOMAS ALLEN FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE St Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway Company 1881 GRATEFUL TRIBUTE engraved on the side, marked under base
8½in. high; gross weight 32oz.
MAKER'S MARK OF WHITING MFG. CO., CIRCA 1881
Baluster, the spot-hammered surface engraved with foliage and with copper inlay and applied with foliage and a bird, with HON. THOMAS ALLEN FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE St Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway Company 1881 GRATEFUL TRIBUTE engraved on the side, marked under base
8½in. high; gross weight 32oz.
Provenance
Thomas Allen (1813-1882), born in Massachusetts, lived in New York and St. Louis, making his fortune in publishing and railroads. In 1879 he sold some of his railway interests to Jay Gould. Allen took the bar in New York State, and in 1870 was elected to Congress on a democratic ticket.