Jones, Ball & Co Coin Silver Large Covered Soup Tureen, Boston, 1853-55

One of the finest tureens we have had the privilege to offer, this striking example is decorated with naturalistic oak branches with leaves and acorns. Bold, ball beading is applied around the edges of the tureen and foot. The large, oval body is wonderfully executed with dramatic repoussé acanthus leaves coming up from the pedestal base.

Stunning cast and applied branch handles terminate with clusters of acorns and oak leaves from which repoussé and engraved branches and leaves stretch around the body, encircling a cartouche on each side - one of which is monogrammed 'MSB'.

The detachable lid is surmounted by an amazing 3-dimensional cast handle with a branch, oak leaves and an acorn. The fineness and detail of the chasing throughout the tureen is exceptional. This tureen has been fitted with a removable silver plate liner to protect its interior.

Jones, Ball & Co. was a Boston firm that made some outstanding silver; they were a predecessor firm to the venerable Shreve, Crump & Low. According to Don Soeffing in Silver in America by Charles Venable, 'Jones, Ball & Co. was among the silver makers which exhibited at the 1853 New York Crystal Palace Exhibition, where its wares were described as "remarkable for their chaste style and for substantial workmanship" ' (p. 320).

This stunning and rare tureen is marked 'JONES, BALL & CO/ BOSTON/PURE COIN'. It measures 15 inches long across the handles by 9.5 inches wide by 12 inches high. It weighs 99.25 troy ounces and is in excellent condition.