AMERICAN SILVER TANKARD, ATTRIBUTED TO SIMEON SOUMAINE, NEW YORK, CIRCA 1725

Front engraved with Bayard arms in Baroque cartouche, engraved B/N*E on thumbpiece below handle, apparently unmarked.

Private Collection, New England, passed down through family;
Christie's, New York, January 15, 2004, lot 188.

a number of repaired splits to rim, cover with repairs and some small splits to shaped rim, some bruises and minor dings throughout, otherwise good
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 arms and crest are those of the Bayard family. The initials are probably those of Nicholas Bayard and his wife Elizabeth Rynders, married July 3, 1739. Nicholas Bayard (1698-1765) was the son of Samuel Bayard and Margarita Van Cortlandt.

A sugar box and a pair of tea caddies by Simeon Soumaine engraved with very similar arms and cartouche are in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They are later engraved on the base M+V+D, probably for Margaret Van Dam, daughter of Judith Bayard (b. 1696), who was the sister of Nicholas.