Lot 57
Outstanding Sycee Silver Ewer Celebrating a Key French/Anglo Battle of the Second Opium War, 1860. A spectacular, custom crafted sterling silver ewer with British marks from the mid-19th Century in flawless condition. The commemorative ewer was a gift from a son, Lieut. E.H. Lenon in the 67th Regiment to his father. This regiment was originally raised in 1756 at the start of the Seven Years War (1756-63) as the 2nd Battalion of the 20th Regiment. Two years later it split off to form a separate unit with the number 67 known as The Hampshire Tigers. Stationed in numerous countries in the early 19th century, in 1858 the regiment moved on to China in 1860, where it fought in the Second Opium War (1857-60). Four members of the regiment were awarded the Victoria Cross for the capture of the Taku (or Peiho) Forts (1860) which Lenon was one. The inscription on the ewer reads This jug is made from Sycee silver taken from the Chinese at the storming and capture of the Taku forts Aug.t 1860 presented to T. B. Lennon, Esq. by his affectionate son E.H. Lenon Lien.t 67th Reg. Sycee silver was a type of silver or gold ingot currency used in imperial China from its founding under the Qin dynasty until the fall of the Qing in the 20th century. Sycee were not made by a central bank or mint but by individual silversmiths for local exchange. Ewer measures 13 x 5½ x 5½" and is housed in its original cusom fitted oak wood casket. Exceptional piece. 22.5 ozt. $3,000 - 6,000
Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., New York, January 29, 1977.
|
| |
| Realized $2,875 |
