AN AMERICAN SILVER PRESENTATION PUNCH SET, NEW YORK, PROBABLY STEPHEN RICHARDS OR GARRETT EOFF, DATED 1819

comprising pitcher, salver and 8 beakers, the beakers monogrammed LK, in fitted wood case.

Hirschl & Adler, New York, January 2001

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.

The pitcher and salver engraved "Presented by The National Insurance Company & The Union Insurance Company of New York to Lawrence Kearney Esq. Commander of the United States Sloop of War Enterprise August 1819."

Lawrence Kearny (1789-1868) was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.  He entered the navy in 1807 and served under Commander John Rodgers.  He was on the frigates Constitution and President until 1810, when he was transferred to the Enterprise; in 1813 he was promoted lieutenant.  During the War of 1812 he defended the coasts of South Carolina and the neighboring states, and after the war cleared the West Indies and Gulf coast of pirates. It was this action against pirates that probably led to this presentation set.  In 1821, this campaign culminated when Kearny forced Jean Lafitte to abandon his settlement at Galveston.

In 1826 he was given command of the Warren and routed Greek pirates in the Mediterranean.  Later he served in Rio de Janeiro and protecting Americans in the wake of the first Opium War in China.  In 1848 he served as mayor of Perth Amboy.  Kearny was Commandant of the Norfolk and New York naval shipyards, retired in 1861, was named Commodore in 1867, and died at Perth Amboy the following year.

This unmarked set belongs to a group of high-quality but unmarked items, connected with New York around 1820, with the distinctive acanthus and paw feet and highly foliate handles.  A presentation ewer, with a handle identical to this one, and a salver with an inscription from the "Phenix Banck of New York" were sold Sotheby's, New York, June 30-July 1, 1982, lot 192; the salver had an engraved inscription "C. Richard, Maker, New York."  The same sale had a covered pitcher and coffee pot matching the form of that on the offered lot, again unmarked (lots 195-96).  A related bowl, engraved "Talfair", presumably for the house in Savannah, was offered in these rooms.