Dominick & Haff Antique Sterling Silver Repousse Soup Tureen, New York City, c. 1884

An outstanding example of American floral repousse silver, this wonderful tureen features beautiful all over floral and foliate repousse decoration on a stippled background. With shaped corners, it has a cast and applied gadrooned band around the rim, cast and applied lobed handles and a similar finial.

During the late 19th century, Dominick & Haff, then in New York City, made some exceptional silver. (They were later purchased by Reed & Barton of Taunton, MA.) The work on this tureen is exquisite. Repousse work from New York - and New England - is more refined than the 'Baltimore' style of repousse. When this work is as crisp and well preserved as this piece, it is amazing. This tureen is stunning.

Soup, and the serving of soup, were important parts of the dining rituals of the 19th century where this tureen played a central role. It would have dazzled guests in the gas lighting of the period.

This superb tureen measures 12 inches across the handles, 8.25 inches in height and 8 inches in depth. Weighing 50.50 troy ounces, it is inscribed underneath 'E.C. Osgood,/ Feb. 13th 1884.' in a cursive style. It is marked with Dominick & Haff's trademark, 'STERLING', the model number '516' and 'Bigelow, Kennard & Co.', the other great Boston jeweler of the 19th century. It is in excellent condition, with the exception of a small 'dimple' inside the center of the base.