An American Silver Presentation Pitcher, circa 1856

the pitcher of urn form on stepped spreading foot with leaf-capped scroll handle, the body chased and engraved with floral sprays flanking a heart shaped cartouche containing a presentation inscription, unmarked; together with a standing cup, bright-cut and engraved with geometric panels and floral festoons, one panel engraved with presentation inscription, unmarked

cup a little wobbly, some minor dings but not through, pitcher 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 inscription on the pitcher reads: "Presented by the late Directors of the Sha'arei Zedek H.N School on their retiring from Office, to the Rev'd. H. A. Henry for the zealous & faithful manner in which he discharged his duties as Honorary Secy. of the Board of Directors Jos. Levy, M. Joseph, Marcus E. Harris, committee, Feb. 1856."

The inscription on the cup reads: "Presented by the Congregation Beth Yisrael to Rev. H. A. Henry."

The Rev. Henry A. Henry (?1800-1879) was Headmaster of the Jewish Free School on Bell Lane in London's east end until 1840.  He then served as Hazen of the Synagogue of St.Alban's Place, London, for seven years before eventually relocating to the United States.  Henry's American appointments included the Elm Street Synagogue in New York, a congregation in Cincinnati, and later the Shaary Zedek Hebrew National School in New York where he was named Superintendent and Honorary Secretary.  The Shaary Zedek School was located in the rear of the Henry Street Jewish Synagogue and was consecrated in December 1853.  The ceremony was held at the Synogugue and Rev. Henry delivered the address and lead the dinner prayers.  It is not clear how long Rev. Henry remained in New York but he is known to have been the first Rabbi of San Francisco's first temple, the Congregation Sherith Israel.  He published A Synopsis of Jewish History from the Return of the Jews from the Babylonish Captivity, to the Days of Harod the Great in San Francisco in 1859.