An American Parcel-gilt Silver and Enamel Scale Model of a Locomotive and Tender, John Dean Benton, Philadelphia, circa 1875

the locomotive and tender enameled with foliate arabesques and with green enamel wheels, the tender also enameled on both sides with initial M above crossed American flags, all supported on a rectangular wooden plinth mounted with train tracks and applied on one side with a plaque engraved " BUILT FOR CHARLES MORGAN IN 1854 BY DICKERSON SHOPS SCRANTON, PA"

Charles Morgan (1795-1878)
Phillips, New York, 16 April 1982, lot 136

could use good cleaning, rubbing to gilding of roof, some wires loose, but generally 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.

Charles Morgan (1795-1878) was born in Killingworth (now Clinton), CT the son of George Morgan and his wife Betsy.  At the age of fourteen he moved to New York City to work for his uncle and soon began investing in merchant shipping and ironworks.  In 1837 he established the first scheduled steamship line between New Orleans, LA and Gaveston, TX and was the first ship builder to use iron to construct ships instead of wood.

When the New Orleans, Opelousas and Great Western Railroad began construction in New Orleans in the 1850's Morgan saw the opportunity to expand his business and invested over $2,000,000 in the line.  After the Civil War the railroad suffered from economic difficulties and in 1877 he was able to purchase the assets, which he renamed the Morgan's Louisana and Texas Railroad and Steamship Company. 

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, RI before the Civil War, then with the Quartermaster's Department in Washington in 1862.  He was established in Wilmington, DE, between 1864 and 187, 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.  Scale models recently sold inculde the tugboat F.A. Churchman, sold Sotheby's, New York, 15 December 1998, from the Niederhoffer Collection (lot 28), and the model of Independence Hall, exhibited at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, sold Sotheby's, New York, 21 January 2011, lot 147.