John Chandler Moore Coin Silver 3-piece Coffee or Tea Service, New York, c. 1844-49

Of octagonal paneled form, this service features some of the finest chasing of the period.  Comprising a coffee or tea pot, covered sugar bowl and rare covered cream jug, foliate engraving decorates all the handles and lids which are surmounted by octagonal shaped finials.  The side panels are engraved with foliage and exotic scenes including pagodas, castes, houses and towers. Four unusual scrolling cast and applied feet compliment the engraving. The outward flaring band above the feet is very unusual and highly distinctive - the strong horizontal emphasis of the design is quite striking.  This paneled form is one of our favorite designs from the 1840’s and this is the most arresting example of it we have seen.

John Chandler Moore was one of New York’s leading silversmiths who sold to many of the city’s leading jewelers and retailers, including Tiffany, Young and Ellis. In 1851, Charles Tiffany requested that Moore supply Tiffany’s exclusively. Ultimately, this led to Tiffany becoming the most successful of American silver firms (see Dorothy Rainwater’s Encyclopedia of American Silversmiths).

This wonderful service is marked underneath ‘J.C.M.’ along with the retailer ‘GELSTON & TREADWELL/ NEW YORK/ 3’.  Gelston and Treadwell are listed as Jewelers in New York Directories from 1844-1849  (see von Khrum, Paul; Silversmiths of New York City, 1684-1850; New York: 1978). The coffee pot measures 8.25 inches high by 8 inches across the handle and spout. It has a combined weight of 64.10 troy ounces and is in very good antique condition, with light even wear to the engraving.  An ‘MNN’ monogram is engraved in one cartouche on each piece.

Our Price: SOLD

Item code: D46