Dominick & Haff Antique Sterling Silver Repoussé Soup Tureen, New York City, 1880

An outstanding example of American floral repoussé silver, this wonderful tureen features beautiful all-over floral and foliate repoussé decoration on a stippled background. The silversmith created an artistic floral landscape with wonderful movement with an unusual shape of bulbous sides and rectangular cover. Bold rings make impressive handles.

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. Repoussé work from New York - and New England - is more refined than the 'Baltimore' style of repoussé. When this work is as crisp and well preserved as this piece, it is fantastic. This tureen is stunning.

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

This superb tureen measures 12 inches across the handles, 8.25 inches wide, 6.5 inches high and weighs 49 troy ounces. It is marked with Dominick & Haff's trademark with '80' for 1880, 'STERLING,' the model number '46', and the retailer 'THEODORE B. STARR.' It is in excellent condition.