Whiting Antique Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Water Pitcher and Yachting Trophy, New York City, 1904

This lovely bulbous oval pitcher is vertically lobed to accentuate the bold repousséd floral decoration. Each 'corner' of the oval features stunning, deep hand repousséd and chased large naturalistic hibiscus flowers in bloom surrounded by foliage.The scroll handle attaches to the body with foliate junctures and is adorned with a hibiscus bud and leaves on its upper extreme.

One side of the body bears an applied cast silver seal of the Larchmont (NY) Yacht Club surrounded by an acid etched inscription which reads:

Larchmont Yacht Club
Class M. Yawls
1st Prize June 18th
1st Prize July 16th
2nd Prize July 20th
1st Prize Sept. 5th
Won By
TERN

Famous yachtsman John Hyslop sailed the Tern for many years. He designed his yawl himself and it was built at Jacob's Yard, City Island, in 1900.¹ 1904 was one of his finest season, when the July 20th race was the only one he did not win.²Hyslop was the official 'measurer' and officer of the New York Yacht Club for many years.

This great trophy pitcher measures 8.75 inches high, 9 inches wide across the handle and weighs an impressive 28.7 troy ounces. It is in very good/ excellent antique condition and marked with Whiting's trademark, "WHITING MFG. CO.", "NEW YORK", "STERLING", the model number "6052" and "5 PINTS".

Endnotes:

1. "Indian Harbor Y.C. Lists 2 Cup Races" in The New York Times, April 5, 1925, accessed at www.nytimes.com 11/28/2012.
2. "Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound" in The Rudder, (New York: The Rudder Publishing Co., 1905), Vol. XVI, No. V, May 1905, p. 343.