American Coin Silver Water Pitcher of Railway Interest

A large American coin-silver water pitcher (or jug) of railway interest, by Canfield Brothers, Baltimore c. 1850. Baluster-shaped on pedestal base, repoussé grape & vine decoration and cast grape vine handle. Engraved with a presentation inscription "Presented to Lewis M Cole by the conductors of the Main stem of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road as a token of their esteem and regard. Dec 25 1852". 15.5" (39.4cm), 35.5 troy oz (1103g).

On December 24, 1852 the final rail was laid completing the B&O "Main Stem," connecting Baltimore directly to the Ohio River at Wheeling, West Virginia. This completed the first iron railroad link between the Atlantic seaboard and the interior waterways of the West.

Lewis M. Cole was a key executive for the B&O Railroad during its formative years, serving as the General Ticket Agent and Auditor for the company throughout the 1840s and 1850s