An American silver massive three-handled punch bowl, Martelé, Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, RI, 1902

of impressive scale, the bombé circular bowl supported on three pad feet with undulating turned-over rim and three loop handles, the hammered surface embossed and chased with shells, grape clusters and leaves among scrolling tendrils and with initial "P" on one side, gilt interior

George P. Pope (1869-1917), to his sister
Margaret Pope, to the consignor's grandparents
Sotheby's, New York, January 18-19, 2008, lot 21.

Larry Pristo, Martelé 950-1000 Fine Gorham's Nouveau Art Silver, 2002, p. 289.

interior with traces of gilding, minor dings throughout, otherwise 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.

According to Gorham's records Punch Bowl model CSQ was completed on May 15, 1902 with a weight of 358.25 oz. Its factory net price was $960. This price was exceeded only by about ten items of Martelé, mostly made for exhibitions.

Pristo notes that drawing 31202 corresponds to this item, with a notation "45 pint."  The raising, which required 160 hours, has been attributed to F.O. (Finn?) Erichson, who is known to have produced 112 pieces of Martelé during his career. The more arduous task of chasing model CSQ was accomplished by Henry Brooks and achieved in 250 hours. Gorham records indicate that this bowl was among the 116 Martelé pieces that Brooks was responsible for chasing.

George P. Pope was born to an immigrant Bavarian family. The family fortunes were made by George's older brother, John Pope (1857-1896), who made his money in the tobacco trade. After John's untimely death, he left the bulk of his wealth and his mansion at 871 Bushwick Ave. in Brooklyn to George. An avid art collector, George filled his new house with costly chandeliers, oriental rugs, clocks, music boxes, etc. and even installed a pipe organ and purchased a white peacock for the garden. In 1909, the house and its contents were estimated at two million dollars. He died in 1917 at the age of 48 at his Atlantic City residence. Three years later, the Brooklyn mansion was sold and became the Jewish Home for the Aged and Infirm, until it was demolished in the 1950's. A collection of thirteen photographs of the mansion's interiors circa 1910 are in the Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Collection and are viewable online.