An American Silver Soup Tureen and Cover, Marquand & Co., New York, circa 1838

bombe oval, raised on pedestal foot with gadrooned collar, the rim, shoulder and foot with borders of stiff leaves, one side flat-chased and engraved with an acanthus wreath enclosing a presentation inscription, the loop handles with palmette terminals, stepped dome cover with acanthus bud finial, marked on base

foot slightly pushed up into body, good condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The presentation inscription reads: From the family of George Gibbs of Sunswick to their esteemed friend Samuel Stevens, 1838."

Colonel George Gibbs (1776-1833) was a mineralogist, who with his considerable inherited fortune amassed the most extensive and valuable collection of minerals in the United States.  The collection was purchased by Yale University in 1825.  In addition to minerals, Gibbs also assembled an impresive collection of American paintings.   Gibbs commissioned from Gilbert Stuart portraits of presidents Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe.  The portraits, which were painted in Boston during the last phase of the artist's career, constitute the only surving and complete collection of portraits of the first five presidents, and are currently in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Samuel Stevens (1778-1860) served as captian of the 9th Regiment of the Maryland Militia during the war of 1812.  He was later appointed to the the Maryland House of Representatives and in 1822 was elected governor of Maryland.  During Steven's three terms as governor, he was involved in sanctioning legislation that granted voting rights to Jews, as well as promoting the canal building program.  Upon the completion of his political career in 1826, Stevens served as president of the Agricultural Society for the Eastern Shore.