Scholars believe it was used by British and American negotiators to hammer out the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War. Our metals curator practically fell over in a dead faint when he realized what he was being offered. Made for King William II by London silversmith Daniel Garnier in the 1690s, it incorporates 731 ounces of silver in its central shaft and 10 surrounding arms. Long considered one of the finest known examples of Philadelphia casework, it survives in remarkably original condition, retaining its fragile carved pediment and finial, rococo brasses and a beautifully preserved, near-luminescent finish. It's very English, in beautiful condition and one of our great treasures.
Tea Table features intricate Chinese-style fretwork and aprons incorporating the figure of a bird.
CW bought it in 1980 from a Norfolk descendent of the Byrds. A previous would-be owner had just been arrested at the owner's door. The Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory made this satirical figure of a Monkey Band Leader around 1756. Since it was purchased by CW in 1956, it has become one of the most popular objects in the collection. It's a delightful satire on human foibles and aspirations.