Ellis Finch
Head of Knightsbridge Silver Department
Lot 35
An American silver and mixed metals pitcher by Tiffany & Co, Edward Moore period, New York circa 1878, with pattern/order numbers 4706/9031
25 October 2017, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond StreetSold for £32,500 inc. premium
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An American silver and mixed metals pitcher
by Tiffany & Co, Edward Moore period, New York circa 1878, with pattern/order numbers 4706/9031
Spherical form, with an upright neck, both with a spot-hammered surface and applied with leaves and butterflies in bronze, copper and silver, the base engraved with a presentation inscription: 'Given by H.R.H. Prince of Wales to Christopher Sykes XMAS 1878', height 19.5cm, weight 31oz.
Spherical form, with an upright neck, both with a spot-hammered surface and applied with leaves and butterflies in bronze, copper and silver, the base engraved with a presentation inscription: 'Given by H.R.H. Prince of Wales to Christopher Sykes XMAS 1878', height 19.5cm, weight 31oz.
Footnotes
Edward Moore's Japanesque designs for Tiffany developed in the 1870s to include applied three dimensional flora and fauna, often in brass and copper. By the time of the Paris Exposition in 1878 this style was at its height, winning Tiffany & Co the grand prize for silverware and a gold medal for Moore.
The Prince of Wales (and future King Edward VII) was present at the opening of the 1878 Paris Exposition, in the role of President of the Royal Commission for the British Section. It seems likely that while there he saw Tiffany's stand and placed an order for this pitcher.
Christopher Sykes (1831-1898) was an English MP who sat in the House of Commons from 1865 to 1892. He became a friend of the boisterous Prince of Wales who frequently used him as the butt of his jokes and jibes: on one occasion pouring a glass of brandy over his head. He was often put upon by the Prince to host lavish parties, which he found himself unable to refuse. The costs of these eventually led to his near bankruptcy, and he was compelled to sell both his London home and his country house.
Literature
Christopher Hibbert, 'Edward VII: The Last Victorian King' (New York 2007), pages 99-100.
Additional information
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