Sterling silver presentation vase of campana form, richly chased with floral and foliate bands of roses, thistles, and acanthus leaves in high relief. The body is engraved with a detailed scene of a sailing ship and inscribed:
“Presented by the Governor Major General Sir James Carmichael Smyth 1831.”
Hallmarked for William Tunmore, London, 1831 (lion passant, leopard’s head, date letter “P,” and duty mark of George IV).
Sir James Carmichael Smyth (1779–1838) served as Governor of the Bahamas beginning in 1829 and was a noted abolitionist and reformer, remembered for his opposition to corporal punishment and his efforts toward emancipation. The vase likely commemorates his governorship and service to the Crown during this transitional period in British colonial history.
Height: 9 ¬Ω in. Weight: 31.80 troy oz.
Provenance: Private collection, Minden, NV
Pickup & Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via FedEx within the continental U.S. for $50 plus 1.5% insurance. Combined lot shipping available.
Condition
Light surface wear and minor tarnish consistent with age; overall excellent condition with crisp chasing and engraving.