An important and historic silver pitcher with impeccable provenance made by Paul Revere, the most famous of American silversmiths, sold for $129,875 in an online-only Jewelry, Porcelain, Stoneware and Indian Pottery auction held January 18th by Weiss Auctions, based in Lynwood. It was a new world record price for a silver pitcher made by Paul Revere.
The pitcher, 6 ½ inches in height, was engraved with the initials of Benjamin Russell, the American journalist and founder and editor of the newspaper the Columbian Centinel. He learned the printing trade in the printing office of Isaiah Thomas where he learned to set type. His father participated in the Boston Tea Party and his son was a ship’s captain.
Russell’s biography is impressive; more impressive is the continued ownership through the family of the Paul Revere pitcher, a wonderful artifact from the early days of the country. Both Revere and Russell were involved in the founding of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association. The pitcher weighed 17.35 troy ounces (539.6 grams).
Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign an item, estate or a collection, you may call them at (516) 594-0731; or, you can send an e-mail to Philip Weiss at [email protected] For more information about Weiss Auctions, visit www.WeissAuctions.com
