Presentation Pieces in the Museum of History and Technology: Contributions from the Museum of History and Technology, Paper No. 47 [Smithsonian Institution] — John Shaqi
Presentation Pieces in the Museum of History and Technology: Contributions from the Museum of History and Technology, Paper No. 47 [Smithsonian Institution]Klapthor, Margaret Brown
History
Presentation Pieces in the Museum of History and Technology: Contributions from the Museum of History and Technology, Paper No. 47 [Smithsonian Institution]
Klapthor, Margaret Brown
Silverwork
The inside of the stem is marked with the lion, anchor, and "G" of the
Gorham Silver Company, the word "coin," and the figure "8."
When Dr. Lilly left India in 1862 he was given a silver pitcher and a
silver tray.[19] The pitcher (13 inches high and 7-1/2 inches in
diameter) has a tall, slender neck with a decided downturn to the
pouring lip and a hinged lid with a thistle flower as a knob. The neck
is engraved on each side with a design of grape leaves and grapes. The
bowl of the pitcher has eight panels embossed with scrolls of vines and
flowers. Both the tray and the pitcher are marked "Allen and Hayes." One
side is engraved:
To the Hon. Samuel Lilly, M.D.
The other side is engraved:
By the American Merchants in Calcutta July 1862.
The silver tray (18 inches in diameter) has a scroll-leaf and flower
design in relief around the edge. The scroll-leaf design is repeated on
the surface. The tray is inscribed as follows:
Presented to the Hon. Samuel Lilly M.D. by the American Merchants
Resident in Calcutta as a token of regard and acknowledgment of
the creditable manner with which he has upheld the dignity of the
office and executed the duties appertaining to the post of
Consul-General of the United States of America in British India,
Calcutta, July 4th, 1862.
American interest in European affairs, considerably increased by the
middle of the century, is also reflected in the collection. In 1866 the
life of the Czar of Russia was saved from a Nihilist's bullet by the
brave action of one of the serfs who had recently been emancipated by
royal decree. Czar Alexander II was well liked by his own people and was
regarded as an enlightened ruler by the other nations of the West. He
was especially respected in the United States because of the open
support he gave to the Union side during the Civil War. His escape from
death was a cause for official rejoicing in this country, and the
Congress of the United States passed a resolution of congratulations on
the deliverance of the life of the Czar and commissioned Gustavus Vasa
Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, to deliver it to the Czar. Fox set
out for Europe in one of the newly designed Monitor ships that had
proved so effective in naval fighting during the Civil War. His Monitor
was escorted by other ships of the fleet with a large delegation of
naval officers. The party was greeted by the Russians with great
acclaim, and it was showered with gifts and honors. Many of the
interesting items given to Fox personally were bequeathed to the United
States National Museum by his widow, Mrs. V. L. W. Fox (accession 50021,
Division of Political History). Among these objects are a silver tray
(fig. 14), a silver saltcellar in the shape of a chair (fig. 14), and a
gold snuffbox.
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