An American silver three-handled presentation cup, Tiffany & Co., New York, dated 1907

the handles with foliate terminals, the sides with acid etched presentation inscription and ivy decoration

interior with traces of gilding and with surface disruption to interior base, otherwise 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.

The inscription reads "JAMES E. RUSSELL / Dean of Teachers College / From grateful Trustees in recognition of ten years of devoted service to the interests of Teachers College and to the advancement of Public Education. / 1897 / October 15th / 1907."

James Earl Russell (1864-1945) served as the Dean of Teacher's College in New York City from 1898 to 1927. He helped to restructure and secure funding for the struggling school by securing it's affiliation with Columbia University. Under Russell's leadership, enrollment grew from 169 students to almost 5,000, the budget expanded tenfold, and the campus grew from two buildings to seventeen. Russell's emphasis on the importance of research in education resulted in the establishment of two experimental schools at Teachers College: the Speyer School (1902) and the Lincoln School (1917). In 1921, the Institute of Educational Research was created to promote the scientific study of education in cooperation with several departments of Teachers College. Two other research institutes, the International Institute and the Institute of Child Welfare Research, also were established during Russell's presidency.