Rare 1852 William Gale & Son Coin Silver Tureen — Early Tiffany Retail Masterwork
Before Tiffany & Co. became synonymous with American luxury silver, the firm frequently retailed the extraordinary works of master silversmiths like William Gale & Son. This rare coin silver tureen, crafted in 1852 and weighing an impressive 110 troy ounces, stands as a triumph of early American silversmithing — merging functional artistry with the refined aesthetic that would come to define Tiffany’s brand.
The Tureen
This monumental covered tureen is executed in heavy-gauge coin silver and adorned throughout with hand-chased floral and scroll decoration, showcasing the ornate Rococo Revival style that flourished in mid-19th century New York. Its sweeping handles, raised on a sculptural pedestal base, are cast and chased in full relief, while the domed lid features a bold intertwined handle.
The tureen includes its original matching silver ladle, completing the service — a rarity for pieces of this age and scale.
Maker: William Gale & Son, New York, NY
Date: 1852
Retailer: Tiffany & Co. (period retailer of Gale’s silver)
Medium: Coin silver (.900 fine)
Dimensions: 15.5" L × 8.25" W × 11" H
Weight: 110 troy ounces
Condition: Excellent, near mint; retains original detail and polish
This example reflects the very finest workmanship of the Gale family — renowned for their exceptional repoussé and chased silver that rivaled London and Paris production of the same era.
Historical Context
William Gale (1799–1867) was among the most important American silversmiths of the early Victorian period. His New York firm, later known as William Gale & Son, produced many presentation and domestic silverwares that helped elevate American craftsmanship to international prominence.
Tiffany & Co., then in its formative years, retailed many of Gale’s masterpieces before establishing its own silver production in 1851 under John C. Moore. This transitional moment — when Tiffany served as both purveyor and patron — marks a key phase in American decorative arts history.
Collector Significance
Large-scale, hand-chased coin silver tureens of this weight and quality are exceptionally rare, particularly those linked to early Tiffany retail provenance. Pieces of this caliber typically command values in the $15,000–$25,000 range, with fine-condition examples exceeding that in private sales and museum acquisitions.
Their desirability lies not only in material weight, but in the narrative of American silversmithing evolution — a story of artisans like Gale who bridged craft and commerce in the mid-1800s.
Authentication and Appraisal for Fine Silver & Decorative Arts
Each 19th-century American silver piece tells a story through its marks, engraving style, and construction methods. At DJR Authentication, we provide professional authentication and appraisal reports for American, British, and Continental silver — ideal for insurance, estate documentation, or sale preparation.
Our evaluations cover maker identification, metal analysis, period context, and fair market valuation — ensuring your collection is properly documented and protected. Learn more about DJR Authentication’s full range of appraisal and authentication services for fine art, antiques, and decorative arts.
