Palmer & Bachelders were from Boston, Massachusetts and were makers and retailers of fine silver. A very rare form in American silver, this syrup jug is superbly
designed with an octagonal paneled body and bulbous lower section; an extremely difficult shape which only a highly skilled silversmith could execute. All but one panel (the one where the handle is attached) is hand-engraved with lovely foliate scenes. Opposite side
panels also incorporate a romantic scene on one side and an armorial badge bearing the initials 'GB' , the motto 'DEBONNAIRE' and a crest of an otter head. A detachable lid is
also paneled along with the finial.
This crest, motto and monogram belong to the prominent Boston physician George Bethune. Boston directories record Bethune living and working at 129 Tremont St. (near the Park St. Station today) in
1845 and at 166 Tremont St. (near the new Ritz-Carlton today) in 1855 and later. His father, also a prominent physician, and his mother, a descendant of Peter Faneuil,
were both painted by Gilbert Stuart. Bethune inherited fine silver owned by Peter Faneuil and collected fine 19th century European art - some of his objects are now in the
collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Stamped 'PALMER & BACHELDERS/ PURE COIN', this wonderful piece of early Boston coin silver measures 6.5 inches long by 6.25 inches across the handle and spout,
weighs 10.95 troy ounces and is in very good antique condition. There has been good restoration where the finial attaches to the lid.
Our Price: SOLD
Item code: B83
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