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The Forrest Divorce Case: An American Silver Two-handled Presentation Tray, William Adams, New York, circa 1852
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description
- marked on underside. Together with a copy of David Delman's book "The Bluestocking: The Story of the Famous Forrest Divorce Case" (1994).
- silver
- length over handles 26 1/2 in.
- 67.3cm
of shaped oval form, the rim applied with scrolls and arabesques, the surface finely engraved with fruit and foliage within robust foliate scrolls and centered by a lengthy presentation inscription, raised on four openwork scroll, foliage and shellwork feet
Provenance
When famous actor Edwin Forrest tried to divorce his wife on the grounds of adultery, Charles O'Conor was counsel to Catherine Forrest. This tray was "Presented to Charles O'Conor Esq. by his Associates at the New York Bar...1852," with a testimonal:
Your professional friends have witnessed your conduct of the Forrest case with admiration, but without surprise. You defended a deserted wife, sought to be repudiated with disgrace. You proved... that she was innocent. You converted your defence into a conquest. You fulfilled, with success, that office of the profession which allied it to chivalry.
O'Conor left this tray to the New York Law Institute on his death in 1884.
Condition
very 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.
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.