Boston c 1850 'Pure Coin' Silver Octagonal Tall Engraved Water Pitcher

A high style piece representative of the finest quality silver work generated in mid 19th Boston, this item is a substantial-sized water pitcher.

It stands 11" tall to the highest point of the lofty handle, has a bulbous, eight panel, baluster-shaped body that is 6" across at the widest, sits on a rimmed, 4 1/2" diameter, octagonal base, weighs 25.75 T. oz., and holds four pints (64 ounces) of liquid.

Each of the eight panels is engraved in a delicately rendered leaf and floral motif which repeats on the edges of the handle and the underside of the uplifted spout.

The two outward facing panels are also engraved in a pastoral or rural scene that includes a tiered spire, pagoda like, structure.

The four intervening panels each portray an individual, long-tailed bird.

The one panel below the spout likely had a monogram, of which there is a residue, but this is polished down (not buffed) and indiscernible.

Dating 1850 or within some years either side of that, this is marked "BOSTON" and "Pure Coin," but without a maker's identification. Perhaps this was originally intended to provide for a third party retailer's mark which was never added.

There were limited Boston makers of this period who could produce this quality work. J.B. Jones, John Bigelow, Obadiah Rich, and Vincent Laforme are possibilities. A comparison of the style of the stamps on this with other work by these makers might produce an attribution.

In remarkably fine condition, this is without dents, marring, or repairs, and shows a brilliant finish. There is one dimple near the upper edge of the hollow handle, and the aforementioned rubbing of the apparent monogram. The engraving remains sharp, absent any polishing wear.

Please see all three sets of enlargements above for full detail.