A Rare Pair of American Silver Meat Platters, John W. Forbes, New York, circa 1820

of elongated rectangular form with shaped angles, applied gadroon and bud rims, the borders engraved with contemporary demi-stag crest, marked on undersides IWFORBES, IWF and N.Y. in rectangles and with female profile, also with pseudo marks of an anchor, star, head in profile and letter C

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.

This pair of platters belongs to a group of eight, a rare commission for America in this period.  The set comprised at least two 18-inch dishes, these two 15-inch dishes, and four smaller 14-inch dishes.  One of the larger dishes is at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute (illustrated Michael Clayton, The Collector's Dictionary of the Silver and Gold of Great Britain and North America, fig. 239, p. 155), while the other was in the James H. Halpin collection (sold Christie's, New York, Jan. 22, 1993, lot 41).  One pair of smaller dishes, described as 14 inches wide, is at the Clark Institute (illustrated ibid.), while the other pair is in the White House collection.

The crest has been linked with the Bayard family of New York (given as a demi-horse or a demi-unicorn depending on the source).  William Bayard II (1761-1826) was one of the wealthiest merchants of early 19th century New York, part of the trading firm of LeRoy, Bayard & McEvers.  His wife was Susannah Cornell, daughter of Myer Myers great patrons.  His house on State Street, facing the Battery, was renowned for its elegance, with furnishings by Duncan Phyfe and Honoré Lannuier.  In 1817 two of Bayard's three surviving daughters were married: one to Duncan Pearsall Campbell, the other to Stephan Van Rensselaer IV; the daughters' dowries included furniture imported from France and made locally by Lannuier.  Whether ordered for the wedding celebrations or as part of the doweries, these platters would have been at home in such sophisticated interiors.