Description: THREE GORHAM SILVER PRESENTATION ITEMS each with Gorham Sterling anchor mark; the first, an oval centerpiece, 1868, with paw feet and eclectic decoration, inscribed 'From A.E. Burnside 1868', 'N.Wright', Mary.F.W.Curwen', 'May 1975', w: 16.5 in.; the second, a Christening cup dated 1874 with Greek key and foliage band to the foot rim, inscribed 'Mary Curwen Wright from M.F.W.C.', h: 3.75 in.; and the last, a scroll-handled cup with quatri-lobed cartouche inscribed 'To Caroline Augusta Wright. Aug 16th 1864. GM.', h: 4 in.; total weight: 46.13 ozt (3)
Provenance: The donor of the centerpiece bowl was AE (Ambrose Everett) Burnside (1824-1881). Burnside served as a Union Army general in the Civil War. He was also a politician from Rhode Island, inventor and railroad executive. Burnside was also the first head of the National Rifle Association. On another note, Burnside became known for his unusual facial hair which became known as 'sideburns' after him. It is possible (but unconfirmed) that the centerpiece bowl was a gift to Nathaniel Wright upon his marriage to Mary Curwen, who was the son of a fellow Union general and railroad investor.
The silver mugs are by descent from the Curwen Wright family.