Lot 188
  • 188

An American Silver Six-piece "Japanesque" Tea and Coffee Set with Similar Silver-plated Tray, Dominick & Haff, New York, 1881

Estimate
25,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • marked on bases, some pieces with retailer's mark of Bailey, Banks & Biddle, Tray by Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, RI
  • silver
  • height of kettle on lampstand 11 3/4 in., length of tray 24.5in.
  • 29.8cm, 2.2cm
the square bodies with handles and spouts at angles, chased overall with moths and berried foliage against a ground of densely chased leaves, flowerhead finials, bases with monogram WAB, the rectangular plated tray with matching border, the frosted surface engraved with a presentation inscription.

Condition

tray with some light scratches and scuffs to surface, overall very good condition, chased decration crisp throughout
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.

Catalogue Note

The presentation inscription on the tray reads: "PRESENTED TO  William A. Baldwin AS A TOKEN OF RESPECT AND ESTEEM BY THE  Officers AND Employees  OF THE PHILA & ERIE DIVISION  OF THE Pennsylvania R.R. SUSQUEHANNA & SHAMOKIN DIVISIONS OF THE  Northern Central Rail Way August 31. 1881."

William Ashbridge Baldwin (1835-1911) began his career in the railway service in late 1851 as a chairman of the Coal Run Railroad in Schuykkill Co., PA.  Without any formal education, Baldwin quickly rose through the ranks and performed a multitude of roles including engineer leveler, topographer, clerk to the superintendent and eventually superinendent for a number of lines in Pennsylvania.  Baldwin served as general superinendent of the Philadelphia and Erie Railroads and the Susquehanna and Shamokin divisions of the Northern Central Railroad from October 1873 until Spetember 1881. 

In 1864 Balwdin married Emily Wilson, daughter of W. Hasell Wison, chief engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad and one of Baldwin's supervisors during his early career.  The couple had five children.