Three Piece Sterling Repousse Batopilas Presentation Tea Set

Description:

Three Piece Sterling Repousse Batopilas Presentation Tea Set, c. 1882, paneled square section teapot, covered sugar, and creamer, chased and embossed with dense foliates and leafy scrolls, with angular crabstock handles and lid finials, on paw feet, engraved to undersides with monogram, teapot with inscription "Batopilas from A.R. Shepherd and L.H. Stevens, April 11th 1882," teapot ht. 5 1/2 in., approx. 36 troy oz.

Note: Batopilas was a Mexican silver mine located in the southeastern Chihuahua state. It was directed by Alex R. Shepherd, a former territorial governor, and vice president of The Board of Public Works in Washington, DC. Shepherd was known to give silver presentation items commemorating Batopilas to his friends and colleagues, including an elaborately decorated flask made by Gorham. This tea set is possibly made from silver mined at Batopilas, and although it bears no maker's mark, it is likely that this set was also manufactured by an American company.
Estimate $4,000-6,000

Keywords