Museum Collections
Luce Center
Coffeepot
Object Number:
1936.36
Date:
1855
Medium:
Silver
Dimensions:
Overall: 12 3/4 x 10 1/4 x 6 in. ( 32.4 x 26 x 15.2 cm )
Silver Weight: 30 oz (troy) 18 dwt (961 g)
Marks:
engraved: on the body: the Perry family crest, an anchor on fess below a hind's head, on one side and the inscription, "Presented to Commodore/ Matthew Calbraith Perry/ by the Chamber of Commerce and/ Merchants of New York" in script on the other side
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Description:
Wrought and cast silver presentation coffeepot with a bulbous, urn-shaped body with repoussé chased foliate and scroll cartouches around the Perry family crest, an anchor on fess below a hind's head, on one side of the body and the inscription, "Presented to Commodore/ Matthew Calbraith Perry/ by the Chamber of Commerce and/ Merchants of New York" in script on the other side; incurved neck with an egg and dart band applied around the rim and the shoulder; hinged, circular, domed lid surmounted by a cast foliate finial; cast, s-curve spout in the form of a grape vine with a notched lip; cast scroll handle in the form of a vine with a grape bunch grip applied to the rear of the body; body seated on a stepped pedestal with an egg and dart band around the joint and the footring; makers' marks stamped on the base.
Gallery Label:
On December 28, 1855, the Chamber of Commerce and Merchants of new York presented Commodore Matthew Calbraith perry with a 381-piece silver dinner service in acknowledgement of his successful negotiation of a treaty with Japan in 1854. In the letter of presentation the committee remarked, "To have brought this secluded Empire, into the intercourse of nations; is an achievement which may justly be ranked, among the greatest events of the age..."
Credit Line:
Gift of the Honorable Perry Belmont
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.