An Impressive Sterling Silver Presentation Tureen and Undertray Made for Admiral Francis H. Gregory (1789-1866)

John C. Moore & Son for Tiffany & Co., New York, New York, Circa 1864

the tureen with beading, egg-and-dart molding, and Neoclassical cast frieze to edges and rims, with two rope-form handles surmounting cast masques, the lid topped by finial in the form of panoply of naval accoutrements, including cannon, rammer / sponge, anchor, and laurel garland, the body engraved with naval ship with banner above inscribed with ship names and build dates, "Superior 1814", "Grampus 1821", "Brandywine 1828", and "Raritan 1845", all over inscription, "Real Admiral Francis H. Gregorey [sic] U.S.N./ General Superintendent of the Navy Department/ for Valuable Services rendered to his/ Country", marked to undersides, including mark indicating J.C. Moore & Son, maker (1854-1869).

Height 12 x width 16 1/2 x depth 10 inches (overall), Total weight: 106.42 oz. t.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Provenance:

Francis Hoyt Gregory was Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy, serving from the War of 1812 up to the Civil War. He effected several guerilla campaigns against the British in the War of 1812, eventually being taken prisoner by the British in 1814-1815, and served in the Mediterranean and West Indies during the 1820s-1830s, commanding the ships Grampus and Brandywine. He would later serve in the Mexican American War, and oversaw the building of naval ships during the Civil War in the role of General Superintendent of the U.S. Navy, of which this tureen and underplate commemorate.

The surface with some shallow scuffs and scratches as expected with age and use. Some areas of polish build-up, most notably to the masks. A few scattered minor dents including to the foot of the tureen and the undertray. The lid slightly bent, sitting with a small gap when it rests on the body.

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American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts: Featuring Property from Prominent New York and Philadelphia Collectors

An Impressive Sterling Silver Presentation Tureen and Undertray Made for Admiral Francis H. Gregory (1789-1866)

American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts: Featuring Property from Prominent New York and Philadelphia Collectors

An Impressive Sterling Silver Presentation Tureen and Undertray Made for Admiral Francis H. Gregory (1789-1866)

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