AN AMERICAN SILVER PUNCH BOWL AND LADLE, GORHAM MFG. CO., PROVIDENCE, RI, RETAILED BY STARR & MARCUS, NY, 1871 |

the base with lions and four scroll feet headed by lion masks, the bowl monogrammed HM and applied at the shoulders with two fully-modeled Bacchic figures with musical instruments, grapevine handles and matching ladle with leaf-form bowl and lion-head terminal. Together with a cane with gold handle, the top monogrammed LWM and engraved at midband Buen Amigo de Nicaragua, 3 pieces

bowl with small shallow dent to one side, otherwise bowl and ladle in good condition; the cane with a shallow dent to gold top and some wear to silver cap at base, otherwise 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 initials are those of Henry Meiggs (1811-1877), Gilded Age entrepreneur and industrialist.  He made a first fortune selling lumber in San Francisco during the Gold Rush, then turned to real estate.  Meigg’s Wharf covered part of the area now occupied by Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Pier 45.  Becoming overextended, he issued fraudulent warrants on the city’s Street Fund, then fled California for Chile in 1854.  He became a successful railroad builder there and in adjoining South American countries, paid back his San Francisco debts, and constructed a mansion in Santiago.  He expanded to Peru in the mid 1860s where, known as “Don Enrique”, he became virtual dictator of the country, dying there in 1877.Per the Gorham costing records, there were four examples of this punch bowl, model #80, made: in 1870, 1871, 1872, and 1873. The present example from 1871 had a retail price of $430.