Silver Cream Pitcher, c. 1800

Abraham Haines appears in the New York City commercial directory in 1801, recorded at 185 Greenwich. No mark of his is recorded, and no other works by him are known.

Engraved with script monogram AMVG, which may represent Abraham Van Gaasbeek and Maria Osterhoudt, who married in 1827 in a Dutch Reform church in Ulster County, NY. In favor of that association is the fact that the initials are quite rare and no other candidates readily appear in the genealogical record. On the other hand, this would place the engraving some 25 years after the piece was made - which is not itself unusual especially in American silver. However, the style of the engraving would seem to be consistent with the date of the piece, around 1800. With further research it’s possible another candidate could be found who matches the monogram and better fits the date.

Provenance:
Richard E. Archer (1961 - 2023)

References:
Silversmiths of New York City, 1684-1850. Paul von Khrum, 1978, The Anthoensen Press: Portland, Maine.