1780-90 The Benjamin Coe Coin Silver 10.5" Federal Urn Form Sugar Bowl (~405 grams)
$5,600.00
Offered is a remarkable piece of American history. This unmarked sugar urn has been engraved in the interior of the lid with the following words, "Property of Benjamin Coe, 1790". American patriot, Benjamin Coe, Sr. (1702-1788), was a native of Long Island who then settled in New Jersey as a farmer and a tailor. In his later years, the British terrorized New Haven in November of 1776, looted his home, and burned his house to the ground. One account states, "Benjamin was eager to fight back, but while his spirit was willing, his aging flesh was weak, so he freed his slave, Cudjo, to fight in his stead. Given an acre of land as an additional reward for his service, Cudjo was later listed among the participants in the Battle of Monmouth. Benjamin suffered the loss of his second wife during the war, but survived to see the ultimate triumph of the American cause in 1783." He is buried in Mt. Pleasant, NJ. We speculate that it was after the proving of his will that the sugar urn conveyed to his son, Benjamin Coe, Jr. Benjamin Coe Jr. was also a soldier serving in the War of 1812. Benjamin Coe, Jr eventually died in Washington County, PA. As far as we know, this sugar urn has never been previously characterized at auction or in publications.
Note that Benjamin Coe, Sr is the fifth great-grandfather of President George W. Bush.
Beautifully hammered interior. Milled beaded rims. Cast urn finial. Square base. Urn believed to have been made in Newark or possibly in New York.
Height is about: 10.5"
Weight is: 405 grams
Condition is extremely good with light surface scratches. One slightly deeper scratch (easily reparable if needed) is noted and some extremely superficial dints. Surface has not been buffed or over-polished and has the original patina. Museum worthy heirloom.
Price is firm.
Check out some of my other sterling silver here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/neurorocker?section_id=6783258
Or just browse around the shop!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/neurorocker
Note that Benjamin Coe, Sr is the fifth great-grandfather of President George W. Bush.
Beautifully hammered interior. Milled beaded rims. Cast urn finial. Square base. Urn believed to have been made in Newark or possibly in New York.
Height is about: 10.5"
Weight is: 405 grams
Condition is extremely good with light surface scratches. One slightly deeper scratch (easily reparable if needed) is noted and some extremely superficial dints. Surface has not been buffed or over-polished and has the original patina. Museum worthy heirloom.
Price is firm.
Check out some of my other sterling silver here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/neurorocker?section_id=6783258
Or just browse around the shop!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/neurorocker