Being offered is an exceedingly rare (punch bowls of this
period are rare and especially by important) and important ca. 1850
coin silver punch bowl by William Adams. The punch bowl has
three parts--base, central floral plate and bowl. The punch bowl
is connected to the base by fine threaded mechanism. The punch
bowl has ten (10) panels--each panel is different--of chased and
repousse flowers, vines, acanthus leaves and grapes. The flowers
in the bowl panels are 3-1/2" wide and include marigolds, roses,
daisies, peonys, mums and morning glories. The circumference of
the upper rim of the punch bowl has a motif of chased and repousse
grape vines--clusters of grapes--and the branches have the realistic
texture of branches. There are acanthus leaves on the body of
the bowl which are stippled, repousse and engraved--they are in high
relief. The central portion is a rim with ten (10) acanthus
leaves. The base also has ten (10) panels--each panel with a
different floral/foliate motif. The monogram is "MH"
in repousse. (Note the monogram is not chased as one would normally
expect to see.) The interior has the original gilding.
There are applied rococco motif feet at bottom and also an applied
rococco lip at upper rim. For seller, mint condition is
something that has virtually never been removed from a box and never
used...the condition of this punch bowl is excellent and is as close
to mint condition as one can find. Total weight is 108 ozs.
(bowl-67 ozs., base-37 ozs., central acanthus rim insert-4 ozs.)
The height of the punch bowl is 11-1/2 inches and the diameter of the
bowl is 13-3/4 inches. Mark on base of bowl reads: W.
ADAMS NEW YORK (see photo). SOLD |
RARE PUNCH BOWL |
| William Adams produced large amounts of superior quality silver during his career, and worked in New York, New York 1829-1862. As well as a highly talented silversmith, he was also quite politically active, serving as Assistant Alderman (1840-42), President of the Board of Alderman (1842-43), Alderman (1847-48), and Commissioner of Repairs and Supplies (1850, 1852). Some of his highly important silver commissions include creating a new silver mace for the House of Representatives in 1841, and producing the presentation urn given to Senator Henry Clay by the Gold and Silver Artizans of the City of New York, in appreciation for Clay's historic work increasing the tariff on foreign gold and silver goods--forty (40%) percent--the most important piece of 19th Century legislation affecting the American silver industry. The increased duty on imported silverware made it impossible for foreign firms to succeed and allowed our silversmiths to finally flourish. (Be sure to view all 24 photos!!!) | 
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