Fine Silver from the Estate of Patricia Ann Black Smyth: Sold Without Reserve to Benefit Berea College

Sale 837

Live

| Chicago

Oct 18 | 11:00 AM EDT

Live

| Chicago

Lot 132

An American Silver Snuff Box

William Seal, Philadelphia, PA, Circa 1815

of oval form, the lid with the engraved foliate decorated script monogram 'JM', the underside engraved 'John Morton/ No. 116 South Front St/ Philad'/ 1816'.
marked on underside
2 ozt 6 dwt
Width 3 1/4 inches.

Property from the Estate of Patricia Ann Black Smyth, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sold to Benefit Berea College, Berea, Kentucky

Provenance:

Jonathan Trace, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Patricia Ann Black Smyth (1925-2018) was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Ernest Bateman Black and Faye Bunyan Black. She attended Miss Crosby's School in Illinois and graduated from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, where she was a lifetime member of the Wellesley Friends of the Library Organization. Mrs. Smyth also served as a member of the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri, and was a long-time docent at the Art Institute of Chicago. Hindman is thrilled to present Mrs. Smyth’s refined and diverse collection, which will be sold without reserve to benefit Berea College in Berea, Kentucky.

Berea College was founded in 1855 with the express mission of educating both women and men of all racial backgrounds. It is the South’s first racially integrated and co-educational college and is guided by the motto from Acts 17:26: “God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth.”

Only students with high academic promise and limited financial means are accepted, and every student receives a Tuition Promise Scholarship—no student pays tuition. As a Work College, every student works at least 10 hours per week to help pay for housing, meals and personal expenses. Berea students have the lowest amount of student debt in the country, and half graduate debt free.

Today, Berea serves over 1,600 students, the majority of which are from Kentucky and Appalachia, although its student body hails from over 40 states and 70 countries. Berea depends heavily on alumni and friends to continue to fulfill the no-tuition promise made to every student.

In overall good, stable condition. Light to moderate surface scratching throughout consistent with polishing and use. The lid opens and closes smoothly, fits well to body but lid does lift up minutely when not held down. Side of body with a few scattered nicks. One end of base rim with a small indent. No other significant condition issues noted. Additional images available upon request.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Nick Coombs

Vice President, Senior Specialist, European Furniture & Decorative Arts

nickcoombs@freemansauction.com 312 280 1212

Nick Coombs is a senior specialist in the Furniture & Decorative Arts department and also the Coins, Medals & Banknotes department at Freeman's.
Prior to joining Freeman's in 2014, Mr. Coombs worked for PCGS Currency in Peoria, Illinois, where he was responsible for the grading and authentication of paper money. This enabled him to travel to dozens of coin and currency shows a year and develop a lifelong passion for numismatics. In addition to heading the Coins, Medals & Banknotes department at Freeman's, Mr. Coombs works closely with Furniture & Decorative Arts department and has directed auctions for philatelics, memorabilia, scientific instruments, and fountain pens. He received a BA in art history from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master of letters in art and art world practice from the University of Glasgow.

Fine Silver from the Estate of Patricia Ann Black Smyth: Sold Without Reserve to Benefit Berea College

An American Silver Snuff Box

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