This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2018
Produced by Reed & Barton, one of the most prominent silversmiths in America dating back to 1824, this silver-plated football box is one of the most ornate sports-related pieces that we've ever offered. Produced in two different sizes (this is the smaller version at 3 3/4" tall, 6 11/16" wide and 5 1/4" deep). All four sides depict the same very detailed football scene, with leafless trees and a tower type structure in the distance that suggests it might have been crafted from a photo taken on the Harvard University campus, which is just 30 miles from where the Reed & Barton headquarters was located in Taunton, Massachusetts. Stamped into the bottom of the box is "MF'D & Plated by Reed & Barton" with a serial number of 286. The handle is crafted to look like a football, 1 3/16 inches long by 3/16 inches across, and the box weighs approximately 1 lb. 12 oz total. The original key used to lock the box is not included. The silver plating shows normal discoloration from age but can likely be freshened with tarnish remover. One of the finest and earliest examples of artwork depicting the infancy stage of the great sport of football.