An American Silver Two-Handled Small Brandywine Bowl, Henricus Boelen, New York, circa 1720

of lobed circular form, each panel chased with a palmette springing from scrolls and terminating in incised dots, engraved on one side with contemporary block initials S/IF, rope-twist S-scroll handles

The Collection of Mr. & Mrs. Walter M. Jeffords, sold
Sotheby's, New York, 29 October 2004, lot 737

handles probably resoldered at upper terminals, maker's mark a little rubbed, a little overall wear, 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.

This bowl belongs to a group by Henricus Boelen with palm-chased sides and twisted wire handles, including one at the Museum of the City of New York (Waters 2000 no. 16, p. 119-20) and two at Winterthur (Quimby 1995 nos. 153, 154, pp.196-97).  The form is a continuation of one produced by his father, Jacob Boelen, and often decorated with embossed flowers, such as one of 1690-1710 now at Yale (Buhler/Hood 1970 no. 556, p. 12).  Dr. Deborah Waters has linked this form with listings in New York inventories of "a small brandy cup" (1685) and a "large silver dram cup" (1694).