A SILVER AND MIXED-METAL PITCHER
A SILVER AND MIXED-METAL PITCHER

MAKER'S MARK OF WHITING MFG. CO., NEW YORK, CIRCA 1880; RETAILED BY THEODORE B. STARR

Details
A SILVER AND MIXED-METAL PITCHER
Maker's mark of Whiting Mfg. Co., New York, circa 1880; retailed by Theodore B. Starr
Baluster, the spot-hammered surface applied on one side with copper carps and diving kingfisher amid sea-plants and weeds, the other side with a fully-modelled bird and fly resting on cattails with copper heads, a fully-modelled shell and engraved coral below the curved handle; marked under base
7in. high; gross weight 29oz. 10dwt.

Lot Essay

The Whiting Manufacturing Company produced several varieties of this pitcher in the early 1880's with the spot-hammered baluster form decorated with naturalistic Japanesque motifs. The application of a silver or copper bird, fish, or other animal in full relief seems to be a decorative technique unique to the Whiting company.

A similar pitcher with a copper crab in full relief sold in these Rooms, January 16, 1998, lot 44. A comparable example with a silver fish in full relief sold in these Rooms, January 27, 1996, lot 53.