Peter Krider Rare Figural Repousse American Coin Silver Presentation Pitcher, Philadelphia, of Victoria, BC, Masonic Interest, c. 1861

This beautiful presentation pitcher is decorated in a naturalistic rococo style with large full figures in the decoration. One side features a kneeling figure in a cartouche draped with berries, the other side with a bacchanal seated on a barrel with a jug and goblet in a cartouche draped with grapes.

A central cartouche under the spout has two symmetrical figures above on foliate scrolls with serpents. Below, two birds hold a floral garland. The cartouche is inscribed:

Presented to Brother
Robert Burnaby
By the Members of the Victoria Lodge No 1085
in token of their Esteem & Regard
Victoria, V. ID. (Vancouver Island)
27th December 1861.

Robert Burnaby was one of British Columbia's founding fathers. Burnaby arrived in Victoria on Christmas, December 25, 1859. As private secretary to Colonel Richard Clement Moody, commander of the Royal Engineers, he led many expeditions charting the new territory and was ultimately elected to the Legislative Assembly. A mountain, a lake, a park and one of British Columbia's most populated cities (near Vancouver) are all named after him.

Further, Burnaby was an active and important mason. He was instrumental in organizing 'Victoria Lodge No. 1085' and installed its first officers on 20 August 1860 when it became the first Masonic lodge established in any part of the British Empire on the Pacific Ocean. When British Columbia became part of Canada in 1871, Burnaby was given the title of First Former Grand Master.

Originally from Philadelphia, Peter Krider apprenticed with John Curry and R. & W. Wilson. He later was a journeyman for Obadiah Rich, Boston's leading silversmith. He returned to Philadelphia and started his own shop in the 1850's, ultimately becoming one of Philadelphia's most important silversmiths. His shop produced particularly fine castings and they were one of the largest medal making firms in the country, making medals for the Centennial exhibition in Philadelphia and many other exhibitions (see The Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers, p. 186).

This fine example of American coin silver comes with a very rare colonial Canadian provenance. It measures 10.375 inches high at the handle (9.25 at the spout) and weighs 15.3 troy ounces. It is in good/very good antique condition with light wear to the highlights and a couple minor (but noticeable) dings.