Abraham Gerritze Forbes Coin Silver Beaker, Marked A G F, ca. 1790s

拍品描述

Ca. 1700–1900 CE. Abraham Gerritze Forbes (American, 1763-1833). Coin Silver Beaker, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. Marked with initials on underside of base. A coin silver beaker attributed to Abraham Gerritze Forbes, its tapering cylindrical form rising from a slightly domed base to an unadorned rim. The surface shows hammering and finishing marks consistent with hand-wrought construction. The underside is struck with the maker's hallmark "A G F." Size: 3" Diameter x 3.5" H (7.6 cm x 8.9 cm); silver quality: 87.8%; weight: 98.4 grams Size: 3.5" H x 3" Diam (8.9 cm H x 7.6 cm Diam); silver quality: 87.8%; weight: 98.4 grams. Composed of approximately 87.8% silver, this vessel falls within the tradition of American coin silver, an alloy typically created by melting down circulating silver coins. In the colonial and early Federal periods, access to raw silver was limited, as British regulations restricted the flow of precious metals to the colonies. As a result, silversmiths relied heavily on coinage, as well as recycled domestic silver, transforming these materials into functional objects such as cups, spoons, and tankards. The establishment of the Boston mint in 1652 marked a turning point, symbolizing both economic independence and the growing availability of silver for local craftsmanship. Abraham Gerritze Forbes emerged from a lineage that would become central to New York silversmithing. Descended from William Forbes, who emigrated from Scotland in the early 18th century, Abraham was among the generation that helped establish the Forbes family as prolific producers of coin silver wares beginning around 1785. Trained through the traditional apprenticeship system, he was active in New York City from approximately 1785 to 1805, later working in partnership with his brother William Garret Forbes and other family members. His career extended beyond the workshop - he was made a freeman of New York City in 1789 and served as City Marshall from 1789 to 1802, reflecting both his professional standing and civic involvement This beaker exemplifies the practical luxury of early American silver, an object that would have been both utilitarian and symbolic, signaling refinement, stability, and participation in a growing national identity. Its restrained form and honest materiality place it firmly within the aesthetic of the Federal period, where clarity of line and proportion took precedence over elaborate ornament, allowing the quality of craftsmanship to speak with quiet authority. SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700. PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception. Item #201965

图片