An American Silver and Mixed Metal "Japanesque" Water Pitcher, Tiffany & Co., New York, circa 1879

of baluster form, the spot-hammered surface engraved with calm waters from which an applied iris with copper stems and partially engraved leaves emerge, also applied with swimming and jumping copper catfish, and Japanese gold bamboo stalks, one side applied with a dragonfly with copper body and Japanese gold wings, the other side with engraved dragonfly with copper head and copper and gilt speckled wings, the handle with copper bands inlaid with silver leaves, base engraved with presentation inscription

very slight overall wear, 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 reads: "A. S. Peabody. from his two sons, Stephen and Richard Augustus on the 50th Anniversary of his birthday. Nov. 7th 1879."

Augustus Stephen Peabody (7 November 1829 - 30 October 1899) was born in Boston and educated in Worcester, MA.  At the age of fifteen he became a clerk in the office of his uncle, Matthew Bolles, a well-known Boston banker, and it was through his uncle that he learned his trade.  In 1850 he accepted a managerial position in Chicago firm of B. Douglas & Co., and was later relocated to the company's Philadelphia office.  He moved again to New York in 1861 and he became a prominent member of the New York Stock Exchange.  Peabody served on the Board of Governors of the Exchange and was a Trustee of the Gratuity Fund.  In 1855 he married Harriet F. Sanderson of Boston.  The couple had two children, Stephen and Richard Augustus.

A slightly smaller pitcher with similar mixed-metal decoration was sold Sotheby's, New York, 21 January 2005, lot 358.