Six (6) piece Alexander Morin, Philadelphia coin silver tea set, circa 1845, plus associated armorial engraved silverplated tray, seven (7) items total. By oral history, the set was originally owned by CSA Brigadier General Abe Buford of Kentucky. 1st-6th items: Coffee pot, two (2) teapots, sugar bowl, creamer, and waste bowl, each piece having a pear-shaped body with repousse floral designs surrounding foliate cartouches to each side, and scalloped foliate design to round foot. All pieces except waste bowl with naturalistic handle with floral accents; pots have acanthus design to hinged lid, teardrop shaped finial, and gooseneck spouts. All pieces except one teapot are monogrammed "Gorham"; one teapot is inscribed "Abe Buford ES Stewart J. B. Gorham 1904". All items stamped A.C. MORIN, "Philad*", and "Pure Coin" to underside. Ranging in size from 7 1/8" H x 6" W x approx. 4 5/8" D to 12 1/2" H x 10 1/4" W x approx. 6 1/4" D. Note: This tea set was the first known and published (House & Garden Summer 1974) example of works marked for the jeweler and silversmith Alexander C. Morin (working Philadelphia, c. 1813-1850). The original owner is believed to have been Abraham "Abe" Buford (1820-1884), a Confederate Brigadier General of John Buford's Third Brigade as well as commander of Forrest's Calvary Corps. The set was purchased by John Breckinridge Gorham of Cherrycote, Lexington, Kentucky at auction in 1904. 7th item: Carrington & Co. English silverplated serving tray with scalloped edges, two handles, and central emblem of the Order of the Garter, the highest order of British chivalry, with motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" ("Shame on him who sees harm in it"). Circa 1900. Stamped with maker's mark, "30141, and "Carrington 130 Regent St. W" to underside. 18" H x 29" W. Combined coin silver weight: 153.105 total troy ounces.

PROVENANCE: The Collection of Michael and Peggy Mahoney, by descent from the historic homes of Clarkland Farm at Bryan's Station and Cherrycote, Lexington, Kentucky.

CONDITION: 1st-6th items: All items in overall good condition with scattered minor surface scratches and scattered minute denting. Abe Buford inscribed teapot with minute denting to finial. Sugar bowl with slight denting to finial. Creamer with dent measuring 3/4" x 1/2" and area of previous repair measuring 1 1/8" x 1/2"; minor bend to base. 7th item: Overall good condition with scattered surface scratches commensurate with manner of use.