A Victorian parcel-gilt silver pesentation table garniture, Horace Woodward & Co., Birmingham, 1877

comprising: an inscribed shaped rectangular mirror plateau fitted with six standing figures of winged cherubs, each supporting a dish holder (with four engraved glass dishes and two later screw-in grass sconces with detachable nozzles), and an oval and two circular dish stands, each applied with seated winged figures representing Music, wood undersides, Patent Office Design Registry mark for 2 October 1873, parcel 6

Ross S. Sterling (1875-1949), Governor of Texas, 1931-33, founder of Humble Oil and Refining Co. (acquired by Standard Oil of New Jersey, 1959, merged in 1973 with Exxon, now ExxonMobil); bequeathed to his daughter, Mildred Sterling who in 1925 married the architect, Wyatt C. Hedrick (1888-1964), and thence to their daughter, Jean Hedrick Darden (d. 2012)

Marks and condition good, has been lacquered
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The inscription reads: ‘Presented to James Rodgers, Esq., in recognition of the public spirit he has displayed as proprietor of the Princes of Wales Theatre, Birmingham, his vigorous and enterprising management, and his earnestness to elevate the tone and influence of dramatic art. May, 1878.’

James Rodgers (1815-1890) was born in Birmingham, one of the sons of an officer in the Scots Greys, who intended him for an army career. At the age of 17, however, Rodgers began his connection with the theatre, spending a number of years as an actor, chiefly on tour in the United Kingdom.  In 1866 he purchased the lease of a music hall in Broad Street, Birmingham, which in the ten years of its previous existence had been known under several different titles and had had uncertain success. Rodgers decided upon the Prince of Wales’s Theatre as its new name and under his management the enterprise flourished. On 17 July 1876, after a closure of only three months, the theatre reopened following extensive refurbishment, including a new proscenium arch incorporating full-length figures of Comedy and Tragedy. The entertainment that evening was led by the celebrated comic actor, J.T. Toole.

The presentation of this parcel-gilt garniture took place at James Rodgers’s residence, 28 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, on Thursday, 16 May 1878. Many local friends and dignitaries were among the subscribers, as were several nationally famous actors and actresses of the day, including Toole, Henry Irving, Charles Calvert, Lionel Brough, Miss Wallis, Mr and Mrs Billington, Mr and Mrs Kendal and J.B. Buckstone. (See The Birmingham Daily Post, Birmingham, Friday, 17 May 1878, p. 7b, and The Era, London, Sunday, 19 May 1878, p. 7c)

James Rodgers died at his home on 6 January 1890 and was buried in the nearby churchyard of St. Nicholas, Kings Norton.

The design of these items was registered with the Patent Office by Horace Woodward & Co. (successors to Cartwright & Woodward) of Paradise Street, Birmingham, on 7 October 1873 (National Archives, Kew, BT 43/35 and 44/3, 276839).