Dominick & Haff (attr) Antique Sterling Silver Repousse Tureen, NYC, NY, c. 1884

An outstanding example of American floral repoussé silver, this wonderful tureen features beautiful all-over floral, foliate scrolling repoussé decoration executed 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. It is marked by the famous retailer Theodore B. Starr.

During the late 19th century, Dominick & Haff, then in New York City, made some exceptional silver. (Reed & Barton of Taunton, MA, purchased them in 1928.) 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 serving soup were essential 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 is marked by the famous retailer 'Theodore B. Starr' along with their trademark and 'STERLING' and the model number '516.' See here for an identical tureen with the same model number and Dominick & Haff's mark. A previous owner also engraved '5111' under its base. It measures 11.75 inches across the handles by 8 inches wide by 8.25 inches high, weighs 53.95 troy ounces, and is in excellent condition with a tiny dimple to the interior base.