Thomas Fletcher Antique Coin Silver Sauce Boat, Philadelphia, PA, c. 1830

This early and rare sauce or small gravy boat is a beautiful example of Thomas Fletcher holloware. The classic shape of the unadorned surface with decorated applied elements creates this stunning example of American silver. The hand-raised, helmet-shaped body has a shaped double-reverse cyma curve edge. Engraved on one side is a crest of a collared bull's head.

An applied 'C'-scroll handle has a leaf-inspired thumbpiece. The three applied feet have nicely articulated shells attached to the body and terminate in shell-formed pad feet.

Silver in the rococo style is rare from this period in Philadelphia. While silversmiths in Boston continued to create pieces in the colonial style, Philadelphia silversmiths of this era embraced the prevalent classical style and rarely made silver in the colonial taste. It may be this sauceboat was made to match a family heirloom of an unknown family.

This beautiful coin silver sauce boat is marked underneath 'T. FLETCHER PHILAD.' in a circular punch. It is also later engraved underneath with someone's social security number. This item measures just shy of 7 inches long across the spout and handle, by 3.5 inches wide, by 4.5 inches to the top of the handle. It weighs 8.50 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.