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 Silverplate Forum
 At The Miami Beach Show we saw a very large presentation piece -- we estimate it was
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| Author | Topic: At The Miami Beach Show we saw a very large presentation piece -- we estimate it was |
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Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 |
posted 02-05-2008 10:36 PM
  
At The Miami Beach Show we saw a very large presentation piece -- we estimate it was over 5ft tall. It was a presentation to David E. Kaufman, ambassador to Bolivia Presentation date was estimated as 1928. The seller felt it might be the work of Meridan. IP: Logged |
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Kayvee Posts: 204 |
posted 02-06-2008 02:48 PM
An interesting piece that raises a lot of questions in my mind. One wonders why a land-locked country like Bolivia would give a presentation piece with marine references (wishful thinking perhaps); why a country known for its hugely productive silver mines would give a silverplated object; why they would present a U.S.-made object when they have a good local industry; why they wouldn't use the official name of the country on the plaque (Republic of Bolivia or Republica de Bolivia); and what Minister Kaufman did during his 2 years of service (1928-1929) to deserve such a gift? This is what makes presentation pieces so fascinating for me. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 02-06-2008 03:09 PM
Neat piece. The figures appear on MBC pieces of the 1870's and 1880's. This looks to be cobbled together from existing work. Gotta run, more later. IP: Logged |
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rian Posts: 169 |
posted 02-07-2008 08:36 AM
The Guerra del Pacifico (1879-83) between Chile and a Bolivian Peruvian alliance deprived Bolivia of its outlet on the Pacific ocean. Conflict continued to break out over time until there was a final treaty mediated by the US in 1929. Perhaps the ambassador was helping to represent Bolivia's interest in the negotiations? IP: Logged |
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Ulysses Dietz Moderator Posts: 1265 |
posted 02-09-2008 05:08 PM
Here's what I found on Kaufman on Google: Kaufman, David E. (1883-1962) of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pa. Born in Bradford County, Pa., May 15, 1883. Son of Marks Kaufman and Rachel Kaufman; married, September 24, 1942, to Florence Glass. Lawyer; U.S. Minister to Bolivia, 1928-29; Siam, 1930-33. Clearly Kaufman was intrumental in the 1929 deal, resulting in this eloquent gift. If Bolivia had a large silver mining industry, then it follows that they would have made plated goods--if you think about it, most huge trophy pieces are plated and not sterling, because even with lots of silver, solid silver is way too lavish. Also, even tho' given in 1928 or 29, this piece is clearly from the 19th century. It must have been in some Bolivian mansion and was given as an historic reminder of the days when Bolivia had a seacoast. That's my interpretation. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 02-09-2008 05:55 PM
The bottom part does look like Meriden Brittania work from the 1880's. Both of the smaller figures, the walrus and trumpet carriers, appear frequently on napkin rings. The two standing figures show up on larger brides basket holders and major items. The columns are unfamiliar to me, but the basket they carry looks right for the period. The jug that holds the epergne arms looks to be from the 20's. As do the suspended baskets. Actually the top looks like a lamp fixture that has been adapted to hold baskets. The bottom may be an 1880's commercial item. The top something added on later. I have never seen an 1880's piece with this type of crystal pendent. I also wonder where they found a cyanide tank big enough to plate this. It seems to have been common practice to plate only after everything was assembled. Probably to avoid solder leaks that would require replating. Generally, silversmithing is an ancient art form that has not changed much since the Romans. It requires long training and great skill. Silverplating is a high tech procedure that requires scientific knowlege and equipment. So, as a general rule, plating is a first world activity, smithing can be anywhere. Does this have marks of any type on it? The figurals are clearly, to my mind, MBC. Does it come apart? What does it weigh? Usually silverplate is heavy and sterling is lighter. IP: Logged |
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