Lot 460
  • 460

American silver inkstand commemorating Jefferson Davis, S. Kirk & Son, Baltimore, MD, dated 1889

Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
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Description

  • marked on rims of covers, the stand numbered 3177
  • silver, glass
  • length 9 1/2 in.
  • 24.1 cm
on four paw feet, the sides embossed with dense flowers and foliage on matted ground, the top engraved with a presentation inscription above an embossed military trophy containing a sword, spear, Confederate flag and American Union flag, fitted with two glass jars and matching silver covers

Condition

one glass jar with chip to rim, both covers with rims dented slightly out of shape, the inkstand in 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.

Catalogue Note

The inscription reads "A thank offering presented to Stanford Emerson Chaille, M.D. Dean of the medical Faculty of New Orleans by the Widow and children of Ex President Jefferson Davis in memory of skilfull [sic] and unremitting service rendered to him, which ended Dec. 6th 1889." Dr. Stanford Emerson Chaille, born in Natchez of a Huguenot family in 1830, served as surgeon general of Louisiana during the Civil War and became personal physician of Jefferson Davis. In 1879 he was president of the Havana Yellow Fever Commission, and became a member of the National Board of Health and dean of the Medical Department of Tulane University. He was author of “The Origin and Progress of Medical Jurisprudence.” He died in 1911.

Chaille attended the former President of the Confederate States in his last illness, when he died on December 6, 1889 at the house of Judge Charles E. Fenner in New Orleans. He received an elaborate State Funeral, witnessed by an estimated 150,000 mourners. The caisson on which his coffin rested was draped with the crossed flags and saber found also in the chasing of this inkstand.