Mid 19th century coin silver repousse teapot, Gale & Hayden (William Gale and Nathaniel Hayden, 1845-1849), American, New York, NY, 1849. Retailed by J.B. McFadden & Company, Pittsburgh, PA. Rounded octagonal body with floral, foliate, and scrolling motif repousse throughout, scrolling handle with bone spacers, rising on four feet. Commemorative inscription at one side reads, 'Presented by Charles Avery to M.A. Howe, Pittsburgh, January 1st, 1849'. The Charles Avery mentioned is likely the noted Pittsburgh abolitionist. 'Charles Avery resolved to use his business acumen to invest not just in industry but also in change. He joined the abolitionist movement in Pittsburgh and began channeling money to fight slavery. In the 1840s, Avery, who was also a Methodist minister, built the Allegheny Institute and Mission Church, later known as Avery College, which served as one of the nation’s first vocational schools for African Americans. According to legend, trap doors in the school’s basement led to an area used to hide escaped slaves traveling the Underground Railroad toward safety', (Liberty Ferda, 'Past and Present Good: Pitt's oldest known endowed scholarship continues to transform lives, Pitt Magazine, Winter 2018). At underside, marked Cliff Mine Silver, JNo B. McFadden, along with G&H within cartouche, and I 488 within lozenge. 9.75 x 12 x 6.25 inches. Approximately 37.80 ozt including bone spacers. Provenance: Pittsburgh collection.
In good condition, apart from some tarnishing. Please Note: Payment for this lot (and all other jewelry and silver lots) can only be made by Wire/ACH Transfer, cashier's check or cash. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/ .