The Neptune Epergne: A monumental American silver-plated centerpiece, Meriden Britannia Co., Meriden, Connecticut, circa 1876

the shaped base with a Japanese-style band of swallows and foliage between bright-cut borders, supporting  Neptune in a shell heralded by infant tritons and Amphitrite with an oar, preceeded by walruses, flanking a four-columned tempietto with bands of bright-cut ornament, from the dome springing arms with lambrequin collars above dishes shaped as open parasols, repeated on the central basket, hung throughout with cut-glass lusters, and mounted on one side with a later presentation plaque

Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition of 1876 (one of this model)

Walter Smith, Masterpieces of the Centennial International Exhibition: The Industrial Art, Philadelphia, 1876, vol. 11, p. 21-22.
Meriden Britannia Co., Illustrated catalogue and Price List ...Electro Gold & Silver Plate, 1882, no. 1480, p. 96.
Jonathan Meyer, Great Exhibitions: London - New York - Paris - Philadelphia, 1851-1900, Antique Collectors' Club, 2006, p. 208.

plating restored and with new glass drops, one drop chipped and shortened, screw holding Neptune figure to base detached and with later nut, figure secured with modern screw at back; hole in head of Neptune but catalogue illustration does not show anything
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.

This monumental design is first recorded in the Meriden Britannia Company's display at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.  It was singled out for praise by Walter Smith in his Industrial Art of the International Exhibition:

From the fine collection exhibited by the MERIDEN BRITANNIA COMPANY, we have selected for illustration the beautiful EPERGNE, destined, doubtless, some day to adorn the board of some lover of true art.  Nothing adds so much to the effect of a handsomely-arranged table, spread for a feast, as the graceful centerpiece, which should be the most attractive, as well as elaborate, piece of table ornament present.  But an ornament such as this is not intended to be admired only in the dining-room; in the library, in the parlor, or in the drawing-room it is equally appropriate.  There, its various receptacles filled with tastefully arranged flowers, it will always be attractive... The example before us is an Epergne of unusually large size... Its general material is what is usually called German Silver, hardened with white metal.  This material admits of a very perfect finish in either silver or gilt... further adorned by the engraver's chisel.  From the base - which is made of nickel-silver polished like a mirror to represent water - rise four graceful columns supporting a dome.  On either side of the pillars, standing in shells of a conventional pattern, are figures.  On one side, Amphitrite drawn by walrusess; on the other, Neptune, his car attached to a pair of Tritons who are heralding his approach.  From the center of the dome rises a central shaft supporting a bowl of very graceful design, around whose base rise four arms curving outward and holding suspended from their extremities four other bowls of similar pattern to the first, presenting as a whole an extremely graceful and appropriate design.

According to their 1878 catalogue, the company won a first place medal at the 1876 fair for the "large variety of silver plated white metal hollow ware, of excellent quality and finish, and of tasteful designs."  This model was listed in their 1882 catalogue, where for $425 was the most expensive offering of their entire stock, but by the 1886 catalogue it was not longer listed; it is not clear whether more than one was ever made.

The presentation plaque reads, "Presented to Minister David E. Kaufman by Bolivia."  David E. Kauffman (1883-1962) was born in Philadelphia and worked there as a lawyer before being named Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Bolivia by President Coolidge in May, 1928.  He served there only until January 1929, then as minister to Siam 1930-33.   Kauffman presumably went down for the signing of the Treaty of Lima, June 3, 1929.  This resolved the legacy of the War of the Pacific (1879-1803), when Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia and seized the Peruvian territories of Tacna and Arica.  After continued resistance and guerilla fighting, both sides agreed in 1922 to have the U.S. arbitrate.  A decision was not reached until 1929, when Tacna was restored to Peru and Chile confirmed in its possession of Arica; Bolivia's keen interest was occasioned because its access to the Pacific Ocean was by a railroad through the latter territory.