An American Silver Gilt Presentation Dessert Flatware Service, Tiffany & Co., New York, 1909

Florentine pattern, each with engraved monogram WL, comprising:
twelve fruit knives
twelve fruit forks
twleve pastry forks
twelve ice cream spoons
twelve coffee spoons
twelve nut picks
twelve nut crackers
one ice cream slice
one berry spoon with shell bowl
one berry spoon with kidney-shaped bowl
one pastry server
one jelly slice
one sugar sifter
pair of sugar tongs
two bon bon servers
pair grape shears
one cheese knife
one cheese scoop
one cream ladle
97 pieces in fitted case with presentation plaque



 

some scratches to outside of case, otherwise very 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.

The presentation inscription on the plaque reads: " Presented to Walther Luttgen, by his friends in London Lord Rothschild, Leopold de Rothschild, and Alfred de Rothschild, on the occassion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of his connection with the firm of August Belmont & Company November 19th 1909".

Walther Luttgen was born on 9 January 1839 in Solingen, Germany, and emigrated to the United States as a child.  He married Amelia Victoria Bremeyer of Brooklyn, NY on 23 May 1866.  Luttgen's long and distinguished career with the international banking firm of August Belmont & Company began in November, 1859.  Although initially hired as an office boy, Luttgen quickly climbed the ranks and became head of the firm's clerical force at the age of thirty.  He was named a partner in 1880, a title he held until his death.  In addition to his accomplishmed banking career, Luttgen was also appointed Director of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, the Transatlantic Trust Company and the Rapid Transit Construction Company.  He served as a Commodore of the Columbia Yacht Club, and was a member of the New York Yacht Club, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Downtown Association, the American Museum of Natural History and the Legal Aid Society.  Luttgen lived in New York City at 49 West 75th St., and had 45 acre country estate in Fairfield Co., CT called "Villa Linta".  It was at his 75th St. home that he died of pneumonia on 27 February 1922 at the age of 84.