A Rare American Silver Plate, Edward Winslow, Boston, circa 1705

circular, the plain wide rim engraved with contemporary arms within ribbon tied crossed foliate plumes, the back of rim with molded edge, the center engraved with a succession of later names and dates

Sold, Sotheby's, New York, June 26, 1986, lot 53

Patricia Kane, Colonial Massachusetts Silversmiths and Jewelers, University Press, New England, 1998, p. 978

as noted re later engraving, some small scratches, original arms good, mark good
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 Arms are those of John Foster, prominent Boston merchant who died February 9, 1710-1711.  He is know to have given a silver dish and tankard to the Second Church, Boston, and his wife, Abigail, left a bequest in her will dated March 1, 1710 for the sum of twenty pounds in plate for the use of the Communion table to be delivered to the Deacons of the Second Church.  That plate engraved with the Foster arms is illustrated in E. Alfred Jones, The Old Silver of American Churches, pl. 15 and described with a detail of the arms pp. 41-2. 

The later names authored are: "Sarah Crawford Dodge. Born. March 18th 1775", "Susan H. Mudge from My Father 1851", "And given to my daughter Jeannie Hall. April. 21st 85" and "And given by me to my daughter Emily. Sept. 30th 1879", "And given to my daughter Emily Hall Battle, April 21,-1913."

Two other plates with the same arms and with the same form and dimensions by Winslow are in the Clearwater Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the R. W. Norton Art Gallery, Shreveport, La.

See detail of arms p. 10.