A George III Silver Epergne

William Pitts, London, 1799

with an early 20th century engraved presentation inscription to the center bowl reading 'Presented by the Directors of the/ UNITED FRUIT COMPANY/ to/ Andrew Woodbury Preston/President of the Company Since its incorporation Twenty-Five Years Ago/ 30th March, 1924'.
hallmarked for Sterling throughout
120 ozt 12 dwt gross
Overall height 16 x width 20 inches.

Property from the Estate of Andrew Cunningham Ware

This lot is located in Chicago.

PROVENANCE:

Andrew Woodbury Preston (1846-1924)

to his daughter Bessy Woodbury Preston (1879-1964)

to her daughter Dorothy Mansfield Ong Preston (1910-2000)

to her son Andrew Cunningham Ware (1945-2024).

NOTE:

The inscription on the center bowl of this Epergne indicates it was given as a gift to Andrew Woodbury Preston, president of the United Fruit Company (later Chiquita), by the Board of Directors. Andrew Woodbury Preston is largely credited with the development of the modern banana business through his involvement in the Boston Fruit Company and the United Fruit Company in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. A prominent and well-respected businessman of his era, Preston also served as president of several Central American railroad companies, sugar refiners and a radio company. This epergne was bequeathed to his only daughter Bessy Woodbury Preston (1879-1964) and through the family to Andrew Preston's great-grandson Andrew Cunningham Ware.

Good condition, with all parts present. The overall presentation is very attractive. Faint scuffs to the silver consistent with age and polishing. Areas of tarnish and polish residue. The arms all hallmarked in the same manner as the main bowl, meaning they are original.

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A George III Silver Epergne

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