c1890 Sterling Football Flask by Tiffany - My finale P/U for 2010

[CarltonHendricks]

5 3/4" tall x 3 1/2" wide x 1" deep
I got this c1890 Sterling Tiffany flask in the mail Friday...this would be my Christmas present and year end finale pick/up for 2010. It'll be fun to research and do a story on. The football scene appears to have been rendered in a combination of low relief work and engraving. I understand Tiffany may have records that can shed light on it, perhaps who it was made for, date made and sold etc....maybe even who designed it. After skimming a book I have on Tiffany Silver I believe the "M" in the marking would be for Edward C. Moore, head designer for Tiffany & Co.’s silver department in the 1890's. Although, Moore held the reins of the Silver department, there were probably many designers under him, and I'm interested to I.D. who actually conceived and executed my flask. In the very small realm of sports art in the decorative arts of the late 19th century in America, I believe this would be the pinnacle of football flasks. Actually up till this flask I only recall seeing football represented in relief a few times in 19th century American silver...the Brooklyn Eagle trophy (location unknown, seen only in illustration), a Yale football match safe that sold in Leland's in 2002, link here, and the c1887 Reed and Barton box I did a story on link here. As football flasks go...game over...it took me 23 years to find a piece like this!

[Scott Garner]

Hey Carlton,
That Tiffany flask is breathtaking! What beautiful detail- congrats!
Happy holidays!

[mjkm90]

It's only fitting that this piece became part of one of the finest collections in the hobby. Congratulations Carlton

[3-2-count]

Carlton that piece is exquisite. Congrat's!!

[jimthorpe]

Very Cool Piece Carlton!

Awesome!

Congrats

Mike McKee

[CarltonHendricks]

Thanks guys for your kind words and approval....Ever notice when you find something that takes precedence everything else you've been eye'n gets dusted...like that Keebler box in Leland's
http://www.lelands.com/Auction/Aucti...-Crate-and-Tin
I had enquired to clarify the dimensions:

19" in length
14.5" in width
11.75" tall = 11.75" deep ----with the lid down
With the lid up the crate's dimensions change to 11.25" deep and
23" tall counting the lid - from the bottom of the crate to the top of the lid.

oh well it would have taken up too much space anyway!...but what a cool piece.

[CarltonHendricks]

http://sportsantiques.com/tiffanyfbflask1.htm
Hi all, I posted a story on this flask, link above -Carlton

[Ease]

Nice writeup, stunning piece!!

[perezfan]

Nice RUGBY Flask, Carlton...

Haha... just givin' you crap. That's a wonderful write-up (and an even better flask!)