Pitcher

Creator Gorham Manufacturing Company, Starr & Marcus

Accession number 40.108.24

Unique identifier MNY108457

Description Baluster-shaped pitcher with stepped circular foot, applied flat wire at rim, C-scroll handle ornamented with trailing grapevines, surmounted by cast putto holding a mug in right hand with applied grapevine continuing onto neck. Inscription: Engraved on body: St. Nicholas Society / of the City of New York / Extract from the Minutes / of a meeting of the Society. / Held September 7, 1882. On motion of Mr. AUGUSTUS R. MACDONOUCH seconded by Mr. James M. McLean, / the following was adopted and ordered entered on the records of the Society / MR. FREDERIC DE PEYSTER. / MINUTE: So long as this Society endures the phrase THE LAST OF THE KNICKERBOCKERS will have no meaning. Yet, from time to time, as / its years increase, there comes occasion for honoring the Memory of some Member gathered to his Fathers who was among the foremost of the KNICKERBOCKERS; finished and conspicuous as a Specimen of the GREAT RACE that founded this city. / FREDERIC DE PEYSTER / was such a man. His lineage runs back more than two and a half centuries, to the dawn of Dutch dominion over Manhattan. / His name not disappearing as many ancient ones have done, in the marriage of female heirs, descendants through six generations / from father to son / EACH A LEADER OF MEN IN HIS DAY, AND CHARGED WITH CIVIC TRUSTS, WHEN PUBILIC LIFE MEANT HONORABLE FAME / FREDERIC de PEYSTER / upheld nobly the Traditions of his line, by devotion to worthy ends of the Dutch sense, honesty and firmness transmitted by it. / Other records will more fitly describe the story of his public service in the field of charity, of finance, of history, of letters. / It is for us to remember, proudly and tenderly, the hours, the speech, the deeds, of his within our precincts, that held up / to our admiration and love, Dutch character as a living force, Dutch manhood in its blended gentleness and / strength. He joined with the most conspicuous men of his prime, forty-seven years ago, in founding the Society; / and served it during most of those years in important trusts, holding the office of Treasurer for one year, that / of President for one term, and that [of] Manager for thirty years. In his departure the Society loses a charm of wel- / come companionship, no less than wisdom of counsel, energy of action and something of the lustre won / from the dignity of a name like his. Yet, it counts its gain, in a high example of a rounded life, full of / good deeds, honored by all good men, inspiring to us in its memory as it was in its Presence. Engraved on base: Maj. Genl. J. Watts de Peyster. Mark: Struck on underside of base: B / STERLING / [lion passant] [anchor] [gothic G] / 490 / S & M / [heart.]

Dated 1869

Object Type pitcher (vessel)

Physical dimensions H: 11 3/4 in. W: 8 in. DIAM: 6 1/2 in.

Medium silver (metal)

File dimensions 18.3 in × 18.3 in at 300dpi
46.5 cm × 46.5 cm at 300dpi

Add to cart

Select usage

How will the image be used?