Lot 94
  • 94

AN AMERICAN SILVER TANKARD, SAMUEL VERNON, NEWPORT, RI, CIRCA 1720 |

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description

  • marked on body left of handle, on handle, and on cover near thumbpiece SV quatrefoil below in heart-shaped punch
  • height 7 3/4 in.
  • 19.7 cm
tapered cylindrical with molded borders, stepped domed cover with short baluster finial, scroll handle engraved with initial R/I*M and terminated by a Louis XV coin dated 1720 

Provenance

The honorable Jonathan Binney (1725-1767) of Hull, Massachusetts and Halifax, Nova Scotia or Jonathan Bliss (1742-1822) of Boston and New Brunswick (by family tradition)
Bishop Hibbert Binney (1819-1887) and Mary Bliss (1829-1903), Halifax, Nova Scotia, great-grandson and granddaughter of the preceding; to their daughter
Emily (Binney) Belfield (d. 1883), to her daughter
Mary Clare (Belfield) McConnel (b. 1883), to her son-in-law
Sotheby's New York, January 17, 2002, Sale 7756, Lot 472

Condition

surface of body with overall small flecks, also with some small dings/creases throughout, cover with shallow dent to stepping on front
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 initials on the handle have not been identified and belong to an earlier generation than the Hon. Jonathan Binney. Jonathan Binney was born in Halmas and was a successful merchant and ship-owner in Boston, but left for Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1753. Jonathan Bliss moved to New Brunswick in 1784, having gone to England during the revolution. Bliss served in St. John's and later Fredericton, as lawyer to Benedict Arnold and became the first Chief Justice.  A blocked slant-front desk owned by Jonathan Bliss was sold Christie's, New York, October 2001, lot 116, and his chest on chest was sold Christie's, New York, January 18, 1997, lot 203.