A Rare American Silver Centerpiece Bowl, William Ball, Baltimore, circa 1805

of good weight, round with slightly domed base, the sides bright-cut and engraved with a wide band of ferns and formal foliage entwined with quilted ribbon below two narrow rows of beading, the center engraved with a stag head crest

Governor Charles Ridgely of Hampton (1760-1829), to his daughter
Mary Ridgely, married Charles S.W. Dorsey, to their daughter
Rebecca Hanson Dorsey, married Col. George R. Gaither, to their son
George R. Gaither (d. before 1972)
Sold, Sotheby's, New York, 15 June 1998, lot 1726

Pleasants, J. Hall and Sill, Howard, Maryland Silversmiths 1715-1830, 1972, pl XXII.

firescale throughout, ase noted re nice weight, foliate decoration crisp but tooling at rim a little worn, marks a little rubbed, 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.

The crest is that of the Ridgely family of Baltimore County.

This bowl descended in the family from Charles Carnan Ridgely (1760-1829), who was Governor of Maryland 1815-1818.  Born a Carnan, he reversed his names to inherit Hampton and the estate of his uncle, Captain Charles Ridgely.  He married Priscilla Dorsey in 1782, and the couple had over a dozen children.  At his death, he owned 10,000 acres in Baltimore County and over 300 slaves; all of the slaves below the age of 45 were freed.

He was an enthusiastic patron of silver, ordering pieces from Barry, Boehme, and Aiken as well as William Ball.  Pleasants & Sill illustrate a footed bowl by Ball with the same provenance as well as the offered piece.