An American silver, copper, and "German silver" Scale Model of Independence Hall, John Dean Benton, Philadelphia, 1875

executed in "German silver" plated in copper for the brickwork and roof, silver for the ornamental details, with gilt accents; the tower fitted with a clock, with four frosted dials, striking the hours and half-hours; the dome encloses a bronze-finished bell and the roof mounted with  flagstaff supported by wires, surrounded by silvered paving, on draped stand



the interior, silvered throughout with gilt details, is fitted as follows: The Front Entrance Hall framed by columns and paneled walls
The East Room (Indepedence Hall) containing a model of the table on which the Declaration of Independence was signed, the chair of the President of Congress, half-tone engraved portraits of George Washington and the signers of the Declaration
The West Room (State Surpreme Court) with silvered chandelier, four gilt figures in costumes of the period, and similar portraits of the Chief Justices
The Back Hall with a model of the Liberty Bell, suspended by a wooden frame and surrounded by a railing, half-tone engraved portraits and gilt staircase
The Second Floor with carved wood writing desks with cork tops, display cabinets, upholstered sofas, gilt gallery, half-tone portraits of Revolutionary figures, and elaborately painted floor



 

Edward Collings Knight, Philadelphia (1813-1892)
Edward C. Knight Jr., Philadelphia and Newport
Given in 1934 to the Newport Historical Society
Sold Sotheby's, New York, 28-30 January 1988, lot 1062

Centennial Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1876
Old City Hall, Philadelphia, 1962-67, Preserving Independence Hall, under the auspices of the Department of the Interior
Colony House, Newport, R.I., 1967-75
On loan to the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 1975-1987

overall very good condition and exceptional quality. Four down-spouts are missing from one side, the clock movement is missing, but the four dials remain, the watch hands have rusted and should be cleaned. The wires which support the flag pole were originally attached to little rings on the roof but are now too short to reach and so are tied to the balustrade. It is possible that the open Palladian window in the tower had a paned lower section.The building is lacquered, and this has discolored slightly in some areas.
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.

Edward Collings Knight, a Philadelphia financier, railroad and shipping magnate, commissioned this model from Benton to commemorate the Centenary of the Declaration of Independence.

According to his obituary in the New York Times, he was a descendent of Giles Knight, one of the Quakers who came to American with William Penn on the Welcome. After starting as a clerk then grocer, Edward Knight expanded into wholesale grocery, commission, importing and sugar refining.  In 1849 the firm had a steamboat on the Sacramento River during the Gold Rush.  He was a Director and later President of the Pennsylvania Railroad, then President of the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey in 1876, as well has having stakes in several other railroads.  He helped found the American steamship line, was a Director of the Union League, and "an active promoter of the [Pennsylvania] Bi-Centennial Association"

John Dean Benton (1824-1890) is listed in directories as a silversmith and jeweler between 1847 and 1877.  A prolific model maker specializing mainly in ships and locomotives, he was of considerable repute in his day.  Benton is recorded as working in Providence, R.I. before the Civil War, then with the Quartermaster's Department in Washington in 1862.  He was established in Wilmington, Delaware, between 1864 and 1870, when two of his biggest patrons were Cornelius Vanderbilt and Charles Morgan.  After being listed briefly again in Providence in 1872, he settled in Philadelphia between 1874 and 1877 before returning to Rhode Island.  Another piece from his Philadelphia period is the model of the tugboat F.A. Churchman, sold Sotheby's, New York, 15 December 1998, from the Niederhoffer Collection (lot 28); the label on that piece gives his address as 618 Chestnut Street.