An American Silver Water Pitcher, Dominick & Haff, New York, 1903

of lobed baluster form on a pedestal foot, chased with shellwork, scrolls and climbing flowers, one side engraved with presentation inscription, the shaped rim applied with scrolls, and with leaf-capped double-scroll handle

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 inscription reads: "To CKG Billings from the Cleveland Driving Park Co. as a memento of the Word's Record made over their track by his mare Lou Dillon trotting a mile in 203 1/2 July 11th 1903".

In 1901 Cornelius Kingsley Garrison Billings (1861-1933) the retired former president of People's Gas, Light and Coke Company in Chicago, moved to New York City to pursue his interests in yachting and horse racing.  Known and an indulgent man, Billings quickly set out to build a 25,000 square foot entertaining lodge in northern Manhattan (now Tryon Park).  On 28 March 1903 Billings hosted one of the most legendary banquets of the Gilded Age.  The event included a lavish dinner for thirty-six of his closest friends at the famous Sherry's ballroom on 44th Street, and is reported to have cost about $50,000.  According to Billings specifications the ballroom was decorated to resemble woodlands complete with a dirt-covered floor.  The diners were served atop live horses, which were brought up to the ballroom via elevators.  Waiters dressed as grooms served courses on trays attached to the saddles, while guests drank champagne through rubber hoses. 

Two months later on 12 May 1903 Billings purchased the five-year-old mare Lou Dillon for the outstanding price of $12,500.  Standing 15.2 hands, Lou Dillon  was by Sidney Dillon out of Lou Milton, and was foaled by the Pierce Brothers Farm near Santa Ynez, California.  Although she was regarded as one of the greatest trotters of her time, she did not race professionally until after she was purchased by Billings.  In 1903 Lou Dillon became the first trotter to register 2:00 for the mile, and on 24 October 1903 she topped her own record by trotting 1:58 1/2 at Memphis.  Four days later she raced 2:00 while drawing a four-wheel wagon driven by Billings.  Her feats astounded racing enthusiasts and thus Billings took her on an exhibition tour of the United States and Europe, with stops in Berlin, Moscow and Vienna.  Lou Dillon retired in 1906 and died in 1925.