Live Auction 2305500 Years Decorative Arts Europe Including Oriental Carpets
Christie’s roundel
Lot 107 PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION (LOT 107)

A GILT-METAL AND COPPER PRESENTATION PIECE

LATE 19TH CENTURY

Closed20 April 2010

Price Realised

USD 10,000

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A GILT-METAL AND COPPER PRESENTATION PIECE
LATE 19TH CENTURY
Surmounted by an eagle, the body cast in relief with equestrian vignettes with ram mask handles and lion pelt-headed feet, the finial base inscribed Presented to/John J. Scannell by Princess Engalitcheff/Paris 1891, the rim of the lid further inscribed 'New York 1915 Presented by John J. Scannell to Peter D. Kiernan'
21¾ in. (55.2 cm.) high, 22 in. (55.9 cm.) wide

Specialist note

The recipient of this cup, John J. Scannell, served as New York City's first Fire Commissioner from 1898 to 1901, following the incorporation of the outer boroughs. Widely known as an avid equestrian, Scannell famously purchased a thoroughbred racehorse on 31 December 1899 for the price of $26,500, the largest sum paid for a horse to that date.