Early Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Custom Ordered Covered Dish 1865

Description

EARLY TIFFANY & Co STERLING SILVER COVERED DISH
RARE CUSTOM MADE BY TIFFANY 1865
An absolutely stunning early example of Tiffany & Co. sterling silver covered dish custom ordered by Charles Van Benthuysen for his 25th wedding anniversary to Elizabeth Root in 1840. (see detailed provenance below)
Of classic post Civil war style, this oval covered dish is of plain design, with a number of added custom features to celebrate the couples silver wedding anniversary. Each side of the oval top bears the owners initials in applied silver on a circular medallion background.
The most impressive aspect to me...and the reason I acquired this piece....is the figural handle comprised of a gentleman and
woman's hands entwined representing the partnership that exists in successful marriages.  Keep in mind, women were still considered property...and, could not own a business or vote (for another 65 years)  For a man to recognize and acknowledge that he viewed their marriage as a partnership, was very rare to see in the 1860's.
The covered dish is 11 inches long. and stands 6 inches tall to handle.  The dish base is 3 inches deep, and stands on four large lotus leaf ball and claw feet.  The lotus leaf is carried into the two side flared heart shaped handles.  Along the oval edge is engraved a Greek style pattern onto which the top fits securely.  Made of a heavy gauge of silver the set weighs 880 grams.
In addition, this is a fairly early set made by the rather collectible Tiffany & Co.
Stamped clearly on the base Tiffany & Co. 550 Broadway within two curved ribbons. Quality 925-1000, and two olde English letters "M", representing the directorship of John Chandler Moore (1854-1869) Pattern number of 1671, Series number of 1112.
In addition, there is, hand engraved the following:
Married on Wednesday morning August 12th, by the reverend D. Sprague.
Charles Van Benthuysen to Elizabeth, daughter of Lyman Root Esq.
Both of this city,
1840   Albany    1865
PROVENANCE
Born in Albany, New York, on May 6 1817 to Obadiah Romney Van Benthuysen & Sarah Wood.  Charles Van Benthuysen married Elizabeth Root and had 8 children. He passed on 19th October 1881, in New York City.
In 1838 Charles & his brother Packard became a silent partners in their fathers printing company.  The brothers continued the business after the death of their father in 1845.  Their company produced the printed material for both the US Senate and US House of Representatives. Charles stayed in Albany and Cornelius managed the branch in Washington.  Charles inherited the Madison Ave property (the former Stafford house) and lived there 14 years.  In 1858 Charles & his family moved into the elite part of the city on Capitol Hill.   Charles Van Benthuysen was a successful businessman.  He was Trustee and Director of numerous local organizations, such as the Albany Insurance Company, Albany Inebriate Asylum (hospital for destitute mental patients) One of his far reaching concerns was the Albany, Bennington, and Rutland railroad.  He was one of several merchants who experimented in laying Buffalo pavement. This was the beginning of replacing
dirt
sidewalks with thin blocks of concrete for pavement.