William Gale
Bread Basket

MakerAmerican, 1779–1845, active 1821–1845
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Bread Basket
  • Dessert Basket
Date1831
Made inNew York, New York, United States
MediumSilver
Dimensions4 5/8 × 14 7/8 × 9 3/16 in. (11.7 × 37.8 × 23.3 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Martha Fleischman
Object numberB.99.11
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Chillman Parlor
On view

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Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
DescriptionThis silver basket bears an engraved inscription to early New York art collector and patron Luman Reed from James Henry Hackett. When Hackett suffered financial reverses in 1825, Reed loaned him money that enabled Hackett to pursue a successful career as an actor that brought him acclaim in both the United States and Britain.
ProvenanceJames Henry Hackett (1800–1871); given to Luman Reed (1787–1836); by descent to Mary Mulford; Estate of Mary Mulford; consigned to [Bob Smith Bonded Auctioneer, Pleasant Valley, New York, 1966]; purchased by Lawrence A. Fleischman (1925–1997), 1967; Martha Fleischman, New York; given to MFAH, 1999.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Inscribed: AMICUS CERTUS IN RE INCERTA CERNITUR. / To / Luman Reed Esqr. / This trifling tribute of respect for / a Most disinterested act of Kindness. / proffer'd in the hour of need, is / Presented by his / Obliged & Grateful Friend / N.York 1831 J.H.H.
Stamped on underside: star above a head facing right, W GALE [in rectangle], crowned leapard, above a circle [?] and a lion

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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