An error has occurred while processing this page. The site administrator has been notified. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Lot 329
Description:
An Important Gorham Coin Silver Tea Service, ret. James E. Spear, Charleston, South Carolina, c.1859, wc. 1846-71, maker's mark erased, "JAMES E. SPEAR", "COIN", and "30" on the bottom of each piece, consisting of teapot, creamer, covered sugar, and waste bowl, early Renaissance revival with elements of Greek design in the ovoid shaped bodies on circular feet, engine-turned and chased surface decoration, beaded borders, inscribed "To S.Y. Tupper Esq. / From the / Officers & Members / of the / Vigilant Fire Engine / Company / Feby 1st 1859", teapot height 9 3/4 in., combined weight 74 70 troy ozs.
- Notes: Note: This service was presented to S. Y. Tupper upon his retirement as president of the Vigilant Fire Engine Company of the Charleston Fire Department. The Charleston Mercury of February 2, 1859 describes the presentation of "a service of silver ... in the most exquisite taste" at a testimonial dinner celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Vigilant Fire Company. Samuel Yeadon Tupper (1817-1891) was a prominent Charleston businessman and insurance broker, working with the family firm, T. Tupper & Son, Merchants, Gibbs Wharf, and as president of the Fireman's Insurance Co. of Charleston (1850-1865). In addition to serving as an officer of the Vigilant Fire Engine Company, Tupper was a member of the city council, commodore and president of the South Carolina Regatta Assoc., chairman of the board of harbor commissioners, trustee of the College of Charleston, and president of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. He resided at 52 Tradd St. Tupper was captain of South Carolina's antebellum militia, the Vigilant Rifles, organized with volunteers from the Vigilant Fire Engine Co. Tupper was in command of the Vigilant Rifles at Morris Island when the Citadel Cadets fired on the Star of the West near Fort Sumter on January 9, 1861, thus beginning the Civil War. Reference: See South Carolina Silversmiths, E. Milba Burton, pp. 175-177; illustrated Palmetto Silver, McKissick Museum, p. 5
Shipping Options
Accepted Forms of Payment:
October 11, 2008 10:00 AM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US
Neal Auction Company
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 0% and any applicable taxes and shipping.