Of American Revolution Interest: A Louis XVI silver extensive tea and coffee service, in American style, René Bridon, Nantes, circa 1780

comprising a Teapot, Coffee Pot, a Sugar Pail with swing handle, two Canns, a Waiter on three claw-and-ball feet, three Tablespoons, and a small Ladle, all monogrammed AVSB, most with beaded borders

Abraham Van Bibber (1743-1805) of "Paradise", Stoney Run, MD and St. Eustatius, W.I. and his first wife, Sarah Chew (1734 - 1795), whom he married in 1780

some pieces with partial or incomplete set of marks; teapot, sugar pail, waiter, two cans, and ladle with very small dents and dings; waiter with one foot pushed in; one tablespoon with misshapen bowl; overall 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.

Abraham Van Bibber of Baltimore was a purchasing agent for Maryland and Virginia on the Dutch-owned island of St. Eustatius. The strategy was to sell products from the colonies to purchase arms and gunpowder to aid in the fight against Great Britain. In 1776, he purchased brigantine Wild Duck and delivered much needed powder for the patriot forces in Philadelphia. Four days later, the Marine Committee of the Continental Congress   purchased the ship to be used in the fledgling Continental Navy and renamed her USS Lexington. Shortly afterward, Van Bibber became a co-owner of the privateer sloop Baltimore Hero which was also used to seize British prizes during the Revolutionary War.

From 1704 Nantes, situated on the Loire River, was the most important port in France, doing extensive trade with the West Indies.  René Bridon (1745 - after 1792) was the last of a line of silversmiths at Nantes starting with Pierre I Bridon, who died in 1673. This set is a most unusual order executed by a French silversmith in Philadelphia or Baltimore style, presumably at the specific request of Van Bibber, who may have supplied examples to copy. Examples of Bridon's work in more typically French style may be seen in Francis Muel et al, Orfèvrerie Nantaise, Paris, 1989, pp. 326-336.