AN AMERICAN SILVER COFFEE POT, JOSEPH RICHARDSON SR., PHILADELPHIA, CIRCA 1760

acanthus-capped spout terminating in a larger shell, wood scroll handle headed by a shell, base engraved with block initials H*S and later engraved Stamper.

Jonathan Trace, February 2003

Seattle Art Museum, 1991-96

Brian Beet and Robert B. Barker, "A 'Sterling' mark employed by Joseph Richardson Sr," The Silver Society Journal 11, Autumn 1999, p. 230-1, fig. 2-3

minor dings, overall very 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.

Beet and Barker discuss the question of why a silversmith at this time would have used a Sterling mark, particularly since it not recorded to have been used by Richardson, one of the most thoroughly researched silversmiths. There is evidence of some silversmiths employing a Sterling mark in the Colonies during the 18th century. Between 1753 and 1770, repeated attempts were made by silversmiths to establish an assay office in Philadelphia. They sought an official system guaranteeing their wares to be Sterling standard in order to compete equally with hallmarked English imports, as well as in their own export markets.

Beet and Barker propose that the reason these marks are so infrequently seen on Richardson silver is that because he obtained silver from various sources, he reserved the mark for those objects which he could be certain of the standard. Alternatively, he may have only marked silver for markets where he was experiencing difficulty in competing against British hallmarked pieces. 

The Stamper family was well established in Pennsylvania and several colonies to the south by 1750, and one John Stamper is recorded to have had a rattle mended by Richardson in 1748.