A SILVER SCENIC PITCHER

MAKER'S MARK OF W.K. VANDERSLICE & CO., SAN FRANCISCO, CIRCA 1870

Details

A SILVER SCENIC PITCHER
Maker's mark of W.K. Vanderslice & Co., San Francisco, circa 1870
Baluster, with circular base on four ball feet, the lower body repousse and chased with winter scene of horse-drawn sleigh race, with inscription on front C.C.H. from C.H.S., the rim and spout with beading, the scroll handle applied with grotesque mask holding a pendant; marked under base
11in. high; 31oz. 10dwt.

Exhibited

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, The Private Eye, 1989

Lot Essay

The fur-clad figures on this pitcher appear to be driving a troika, suggesting that the scene depicts descendants of the Russian colony established at Fort Ross in California from 1812-1841. During this period, the Russian colonists traded in fur seals and sea otters, with supply ships from Russia arriving regularly on the California coast.

A coffee pot with similar ornament and handle is illustrated in Silver in the Golden State, The Oakland Museum History Department, p. xiv.