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48069

Hannibal Hamlin: Important Coin Silver Teapot

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:1,700.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Hannibal Hamlin: Important Coin Silver Teapot
<B>Hannibal Hamlin: Important Coin Silver Teapot by Gale & Hughes of New York, Engraved to Lincoln's Future First Vice President in Memory of an Earlier Vice President, Daniel D. Tompkins. </B></I> The pitcher itself is a fine example of American silver in beautiful condition with rich patina and was crafted in 1843. Gale & Hughes silver itself is very collectible among silver enthusiasts. It was presented to Hamlin in 1847 in recognition for his advocacy of a bill in the U.S. Senate which was of great importance to the Tompkins family. The engraved inscription on the side reads: "Presented to the Hon. Hannibal Hamlin by Ray Tompkins, in consideration of his generous support of the bill for his relief, and for his able Vindication of the Memory of his father Daniel D. Tompkins." <BR><BR>The senior Tompkins played a pivotal role in the War of 1812. When the legislature of his native state, New York, refused to authorize needed funds for the war, Tompkins tapped his personal resources, and in the course of the war, several million dollars in funds were involved. At the conclusion, political opponents claimed that there was a deficiency in Tompkins' records, that he had been overcompensated for outlays, while Tompkins himself claimed that he was due further reimbursement. Lengthy litigation ensued and, while no one dared to directly accuse Tompkins of impropriety, whispered charges were widely credited with causing his narrow loss of the New York governor's race to DeWitt Clinton in 1820. Even James Monroe's selection of Tompkins as his vice presidential running mate (he served 1817-1825) could not eradicate the stain on his reputation. That loss set off a round of alcohol abuse and depression that would last the duration of his life. Tompkins died prematurely at the age of fifty-one in 1825 shortly after the end of his term as vice president.<BR><BR>Hannibal Hamlin pushed through Senate Bill Number 193 in February 1847, awarding government benefits to son Ray Tompkins and his family. It was a particularly generous gesture since Hamlin was a staunch New England Federalist/Whig, while Daniel Tompkins had been a Republican/Democrat. This historic pitcher is of substantial scale measuring 10.375" tall, and has wonderful display presence for any private or institutional collection.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Larg (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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