William Bogert Antique Sterling Silver Tea/ Coffee Set, NYC, NY, c. 1870

This stunning tea/coffee set comprises a large pot, covered sugar bowl, creamer, and waste bowl. The exceptionally heavy drum-shaped pot is beautifully engraved in a quilted, square design to the body and platform of the lid. This wonderful ornament is bordered with rows of reeding. Applied beading decorates the edges of the set.

Unusual crossed loop handles are attached to the pot and sugar bowl, while the creamer's handle is in twig form. Surmounting the covers of the pot and sugar bowl are dolphin finials. Engraved on one of the circular belt reserves is 'HWCS,' and the other displays wonderful arms along with the motto 'NEC QUAERERE HONOREM NEC SPERNERE.' The arms feature a bird with outstretched wings above a shield with three dolphins. This motto and arms are associated with the Sargent family of Massachusetts.

William Bogert was an important but little-known maker from New York. In 1866, he purchased the Grosjean and Woodward shop after the death of Charles Grosjean, Sr., and the shop continued working as a supplier to Tiffany & Co. until Tiffany brought all their production in-house from 1868 to about 1872. Bogert was out of business by 1877 and died in 1881, but he left a small body of very high-quality work from this period. (1)

This stunning set is marked underneath 'W. BOGERT' over a shield with 925/1000.' The pot measures 9.5 inches across the handle and spout by 6.25 inches tall. The set weighs a combined 80.9 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.

Endnote:

1. D. Albert Soeffing, "William Bogert and his family" in The Magazine Antiques, July 1996, pp. 100 - 109.