- 1347
A pair of American silver "elephant" pitchers, Tiffany & Co., New York, dated 1883
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- marked on bases and numbered 3612-7713
- silver
- height 9 1/2 in.
- 24.1 cm
the spirally fluted bodies chased with dense foliage and flowers, the handles with dressed elephant head terminals, engraved on bases with presentation inscriptions
Condition
one with shallow dent to lower body, both with some minor surface nicks to rim, overall in good crisp 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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The inscriptions read "Julia Rhinelander to Mary Rhinelander Stewart on her wedding day, April 25th 1883." and "Given to William Rhinelander Stewart by his Aunt Mary Stewart Witherbee April 1937." Mary Rhinelander Stewart (1859-1949) was the daughter of Lispenard Stewart and Mary Rogers Rhinelander. In 1883 she married Frank Spencer Witherbee (1852-1917) and these pitchers were a gift from her maternal aunt, Julia Rhinelander (d.1890), who herself never married. Julia lived at no. 14 Washington Square North, with other family members in the adjacent mansions.
Mary passed them on in turn to her nephew, William Rhinelander Stewart Jr. (1885-1945) a close friend of Vincent Astor and a prominent member of New York’s café society.
Mary passed them on in turn to her nephew, William Rhinelander Stewart Jr. (1885-1945) a close friend of Vincent Astor and a prominent member of New York’s café society.