An American silver tea caddy, sugar basket and set of four tablespoons, Asa Blanchard, Dumfries, VA, circa 1800

all engraved with foliate initial H, the tea caddy and sugar basket both with swing handle, the loose cover with acorn finial

Alexander Henderson (1738-1815), Dumfries, VA, by descent;
Alexander Henderson, by descent;
George Washington Henderson, by descent;
Arthur Taylor Henderson, by descent;
Constance Henderson Hoblitzell, by descent;
Constance H. Michael

caddy with finial pushed down slightly on one side; a few minor dings throughout, and the spoons with a bit more surface wear from use; overall 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 engraved initial is for Alexander Henderson, a Colonial merchant who moved from Glasgow, Scotland to Colchester, Virginia in 1756. He later moved to Dumfries, VA in 1787, where his house still stands. There Henderson established a successful store and expanded to include branch stores in Colchester, Occoquan and Alexandria, making him the founder of the chain store in America. 

Henderson also served as vestryman at Pohick Church, magistrate of Fairfax and Prince William Counties, member of House of Burgess, member of the Virginia General Assembly, and Virginia Delegate to Mt. Vernon Conference in 1785, which decided the boundary lines that still exist today between Maryland and Virginia and set a precedent for discussions into areas of mutual concern between states. Through his political work, Henderson became acquainted with such figures as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Mason and George Washington. It was on the advice of George Washington that Henderson bought 25,000 acres in western Virginia.

Henderson and his wife Sara had ten children, one of which was Archibald Henderson (1783-1859). Archibald was the fifth and longest-serving commandant of the Marine Corps, serving for over 38 years.

Asa Blanchard (Blancett, Blansett) is best known as a Kentucky silversmith working in Lexington from 1806-38. However, between 1789-1806, he established his first workshop in his hometown of Dumfries, VA after returning from Philadelphia and New York, where he honed his skills. He made flatware and hollowware for some of the best families of Prince William and nearby counties. His Virginia silver all bear the "AB" or "A.BLANSETT" hallmarks.