Important Americana: Silver, Chinese Export, and Prints

A Rare Silver Nutmeg Grater, Peter Bentzon, St. Croix and Philadelphia, circa 1810-20

Lot Closed

January 22, 06:10 PM GMT

Estimate

10,000 - 15,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

A Rare Silver Nutmeg Grater, Peter Bentzon, St. Croix and Philadelphia, circa 1810-20

of oval form, hinged cover and base, the latter with flush hinge, steel rasp, geometric engraved lines to top and bottom

marked on top and base covers P. BENTZON capitals in rectangle, that on base with P not visible (behind hinge)

2 oz. including steel grater

68 g

width 2 1/8 in.

5.39 cm

Some general wear; cover with flange seams starting to open; tool marks around edge of metal grater where it has been re-set, base with some minor dings, multiple short scratches to one end, otherwise good, marks clear.

The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation. The condition report is a statement of opinion only. For that reason, the condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE.

Descended in the Tetens family of St. Croix and Denmark, probably from an ancestor who was a sea captain in the early 19^th century, sailing between Denmark, Guinea in West Africa, and the West Indies (including St. Croix, then under Danish control); according to family accounts, he married a Caribbean woman of color.
Being sold directly from the family.