Live Auction 19983The Collection of Mrs. Henry Ford II: Palm Beach
A COLONIAL AMERICAN SILVER READING GLASS
Lot 214

A COLONIAL AMERICAN SILVER READING GLASS

MARK OF ABRAHAM G. FORBES, NEW YORK, CIRCA 1770

Closed30 March 2021

Price Realised

USD 1,875

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

Conditions of Sale
How to sell

A COLONIAL AMERICAN SILVER READING GLASS
MARK OF ABRAHAM G. FORBES, NEW YORK, CIRCA 1770
The circular convex glass within silver wire frame and with loop handle, marked twice on handle, Ford Inv. No. S-21, together with fabric pouch, possibly original
6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm.) long
4 oz. 6 dwt. (133.7 gr.) gross weight

By repute, used by Gen. Pierre Van Cortlandt during the American Revolution.
With Ensko, New York.

Specialist note

Together with an envelope provided by Ensko, New York with the note Early American Silver Reading Glass made by Abraham G. Forbes of New York, 1768, and used by Gen. Pierre Van Cortlandt during the Revolution. Last owned by Baroness Von Graffenreid (Welles) a direct descendant.
General Pierre Van Cortlandt (1721 – 1814) was an American politician, who served as the first Lieutenant Governor of New York state. He married his second cousin, Joanna Livingston (1722 – 1808), granddaughter of Robert Livingston the Elder and his wife Alida Schuyler.