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The Building of the Transcontinental Railroad: An American Silver Presentation Two-handled Oval Tray, Edward C. Moore for Tiffany & Co., New York, circa 1869
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
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Description
- marked on back and numbered 1495-3864, 26
- Silver
- length over handles 33 3/8 in.
- 85cm
the tray engraved with presentation inscription surrounded by four oval vignettes engraved with scenes of the building of the Railroad entitled:
"Side Cut Green River Valley Carmichael's Work"
"Western approach to Dale Creek Bridge"
"Heavy Rock Cut near Red Buttes"
"Carmichael's Cut Bitter Crease from East end"
all linked by scrolling foliage on matted ground with anthemia at intervals, handles rising from stylized foliage. Together with accompanying documentation, four large reproduction photographs of which three show sites depicted on tray and New York Tribune dated 11 May 1869
"Side Cut Green River Valley Carmichael's Work"
"Western approach to Dale Creek Bridge"
"Heavy Rock Cut near Red Buttes"
"Carmichael's Cut Bitter Crease from East end"
all linked by scrolling foliage on matted ground with anthemia at intervals, handles rising from stylized foliage. Together with accompanying documentation, four large reproduction photographs of which three show sites depicted on tray and New York Tribune dated 11 May 1869
Condition
good condition, engraving sparkles
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.
Catalogue Note
The tray is engraved: "Presented to Louis Carmichael, by Friends and Companions Engaged in Building the Union Pacific Rail Road as a Token of Affection and Esteem 1869" surrounded by the words "Industry", "Honest" and "Ability". In 1865 the Union Pacific selected Louis Carmichael as a grading contractor for the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. He and his team overcame substantial difficulties in Wyoming and northern Utah. To mark his success on the eve of completion on 10 May 1869 Carmichael was presented with a large silver service at a reception. The Utah Daily Reporter recorded the event as follows: "On the 11th inst. at the Jenks House, at Echo City, Mr. Louis Carmichael, the king of graders, was presented with an elegant set of solid silver with $5,000.00 by his companions and employees of the road." Part of this service was donated to the Utah Historical Society by Carmichael's great-grandaughter Elizabeth Schutt.