An American Silver Two-Handled Urn, Henry Harland, Norwich, CT And New Orleans, circa 1830

with beaded borders, the spreading molded base with swirling acanthus chased band, the body with applied grapevine band, engraved on the front and back with slightly later presentation inscriptions, "To Mr. & Mrs. Milnor in token of Gratitude" and "From The Mother of Jane P. Lincoln Aug. 29th 1855"

pushed down slightly to one side and foot could use straightening, 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.

Henry Harland (1789-1841) was born in Norwich, Connecticut, son of silversmith Thomas Harland.  He traveled regularly between New England and New Orleans.  An identical urn with a New Orleans inscription is in the Garvan collection at Yale University Art Gallery, see Wendy A. Cooper, Classical Taste in America 1800-1840, p. 245-246, fig. 198, and Crescent City Silver, no. 86, pp. 82-83.

The slightly later inscription on this piece appears to be associated with an early railroad disaster. From the Philadelphia Daily News, Aug. 30, 1855:

LAMENTABLE RAILROAD ACCIDENT - FEARFUL LOSS OF LIFE
It is our sad duty to record one of the most frightful railroad accidents that has ever accurred [sic] in this section of the country.  It took place yesterday morning, on the Camden and Amboy Railroad, about a mile above Burlington...
two of the cars were broken into fragments, and a third one was much injured.  In the two cars which were thus crushed scarcely a passenger escaped without serious injury, and many were taken out from the ruins lifeless...
Many of the citizens of Burlington... proceeded to the scene of the calamity and aided in the rescue of the wounded from the wreck.
THE KILLED...
Miss Jane P. Lincoln, of Ellicott's Mills, N.J. The deceased was killed instantly.  Her aged mother was at Burlington, and the news almost proved fatal to her.

The recipients have not been identified, but presumably aided either Miss Lincoln or her mother; there are numerous Milnors recorded in Burlington and Burlington County in the mid 19th century.