Wood & Hughes
Coffee and Tea Service made for Emily Margaret Austin Perry (1795–1851)

Coffee and Tea Service made for Emily Margaret Austin Perry (1795–1851)

Public Domain

Coffee and Tea Service made for Emily Margaret Austin Perry (1795–1851)
MakerAmerican, active 1845–1899
RetailerAmerican, active 1829–1861
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Coffee and Tea Service made for Emily Margaret Austin Perry (1795–1851)
Date1848
Made inNew York, New York, United States
Retailed inNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States
MediumSilver and ivory
Dimensions.1: 11 × 12 1/4 × 6 1/2 in. (27.9 × 31.1 × 16.5 cm)
.2: 10 × 12 1/2 × 6 5/8 in. (25.4 × 31.8 × 16.8 cm)
.3: 8 5/8 × 9 1/4 × 5 1/2 in. (21.9 × 23.5 × 14 cm)
.4: 7 × 7 1/2 × 4 3/8 in. (17.8 × 19.1 × 11.1 cm)
.5: 4 3/4 × 6 3/4 in. diameter (12.1 × 17.1 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of the family of Guy Morrison Bryan, Jr. in memory of Hally Bryan Clements, Florence Bryan Cook, and Carolyn Bryan Thompson
Object numberB.2011.17.1-.5
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Texas Room
On view

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

Engraved with the names “Austin” and “Bryan,” this tea and coffee service is notable for its distinguished provenance so closely associate with early Texas history. It was commissioned in 1848 by Emily Austin Bryan Perry (1795–1851), a sister of Stephen F. Austin, for her home, Peach Point Plantation in Brazoria County.

In 1831, the Perrys left Potosi, Missouri, to join Emily’s brother in Texas. Following his death, she harnessed his estate to manage the development of San Luis and Austinia (now Texas City), as well as to invest in the Brazos and Galveston Railroad Company to build the first railroad in Texas. In addition to these endeavors, she contributed towards the expansion of religious foundations and education.

In 1848, Emily and James Perry placed an extensive order with the New Orleans firm of Hyde & Goodrich, “Importers of Fine Watches & Jewelry AND Silver & Plated Ware, Fine Guns, Lamps, Jewelry, Gold & Silver Laces, Military & Fancy Goods REPAIRED.” The commission is documented with unusual detail in a series of invoices and correspondence with George L. Hammekin spanning from July 1 through September 22 and even specifies the expense for freight to Galveston at $2.05.


Provenance Research Ongoing Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Engraved on the side of the body within a cartouche: Austin
Engraved on the opposite side of the body within a cartouche: A [beneath a crest with a cross with wings, above a stags head in a sheild]
Stamped on the underside: HYDE & GOODRICH [in a rectangular surround]
Stamped on the underside: W & H [vertical, in an oval surround]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

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