An Important Pair of American Federal Coin Silver Presentation Canns, James Musgrave, Philadelphia, 1797 (w. 1794-1813), stamped "Musgrave" twice on underside of each, raised circular form with flared rim and incised ring below lip, bulbous lower body, leaf-capped double scroll handle, centerpoint on bottom, applied stepped circular foot, engraved monogram "RF", together with a rare presentation letter dated December 6, 1797 from Thomas McKean to Robert Fraser. E30000-50000 Provenance: Lot 114, Charles Hamilton Auction 124, The Waldorf Astoria, Park Avenue at Fiftieth, Nov. 29, 1979; to a silver collector. From Thomas McKean (1734-1817) to his friend and attorney Robert Fraser. McKean, a Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania, also served as Chief Justice and Governor of that state. While he spent much of his political life in Pennsylvania, he held many offices in Delaware including Deputy Attorney General, clerk of the Delaware Assembly, trustee of the New Castle County loan office, and Speaker of the Assembly. The presentation letter reads: Philadelphia Decembr 6th, 1797. Sir, The ready & polite manner in which you were pleased to accommodate me with your House, during the late malignant fever in this city, I shall retain in remembrance. As you would not fix any compensation, permit me to request your acceptance of a pair of Silver cans [sic, containing three half pints each, made by James Musgrave particularly for you of Spanish pieces of Eight, as a small token of my respect. They appear to be well finished, and I hope you and your friends may for a great many years quaff good Porter out of them. From experience I can assure you such Vases are very useful in a Family and in the end economical. I am, Sir, with esteem & regard, Your most obedient humble servant, ThoM:Kean." Attached is the original leaf, addressed in McKean's hand to "Robert Fraser Esquire, Attorney at Law, at Westchester". At the lower left, also in McKean's hand, is written "With a pair of Silver Cans [sic". The "malignant fever" to which he refers in the letter was an epidemic of smallpox. Fraser must have been very careful with his friend's advice of serious quaff, as the canns appear in excellent condition.