A PAIR OF AMERICAN SILVER LARGE PRESENTATION SALVERS, SAMUEL KIRK, BALTIMORE, DATED 1845

on cast scroll feet, the floral bands enclosing arms and an inscription "Presented to William Ogilby, Esq. H.B.M.C. by the Citizens of Charleston, South Carolina. 1845."

Jonathan Trace, April 1996

good condition, impressive size and weight
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.

William Ogilby (b. 1783) was the son of John Ogilby (b. 1746) of Ardnargle, Limavady, and Pellipar, Dungiven, both County Londonderry, and his wife Jane Simpson.  He served as Vice-Consul at Caen, France, from 1826 to 1829, and on his departure was presented with a gold box by the British residents of the town (sold Duke's Auctions, Dorchester, Dorset, U.K., August 15-16, 2002, lot 316), a precursor to the gift he would receive on leaving his next post.

He arrived in Charleston in late 1829 or early 1830, to a city that was considered so unhealthy for Europeans "my brother Consul in New York told me to take my coffin with me."  His diary of about 1830 is at the South Carolina Historical Society, and records events such as a hurricane in August, of that year, when he thought his "house would come down about [his] ears." In his official capacity he produced reports on subjects such as shipping, immigration, poor relief, and cotton and rice production.  He also dealt with events like the imprisonment of free British subjects of color who arrived in South Carolina ports.  In 1833 he observed that the citizens were arming themselves and discussing nullification, and he worried that an attack on Federal installations might be imminent.

In the early 1840s, Ogilby was writing to London about the controversy over the accession of Texas as a slave state, and his worries that Secretary of State John C. Calhoun – whom he met in Charleston - would pursue this “even to the length of a division [of the republic];” he also suspected Southern politicians of fanning anger against the abolitionist British government.  In lighter moments, he sent local species to the Zoological Society in London:  seven living Water-tortoises in 1841, and a Virginia opossum in 1844.  By 1845, though, he requested retirement on account of ill-health, after 23 years of service; lists give his salary at this time as £500 with another £250 in allowance.  The scale and magnificence of these salvers - over 150 ounces of silver - conveys the regret with which Charleston saw him leave.