Most of these pieces, like the pitchers mentioned above, are not as
pleasing aesthetically as the earlier ones, and they are much more
closely allied with the exuberance of the Victorian era than they are
with the classical lines of the Federal period.
A large, elaborate vase[9] with two handles and a cover was presented to
Major General Silas Casey, U.S.A., in recognition of his services during
the Mexican War. The vase is inscribed:
To Capt. Silas Casey, 2 inf. U.S.A. For his bravery and skill at
Contreras, Churubusco and other battles of Mexico; for his gallant
leading of the storming party of Regulars at Chapultepec where he
was severely wounded. The gift of citizens of his native town and
others, E. Greenwich, Rhode Island, August 1848.
The vase is marked on the bottom with box-enclosed letters "G & H" and
"1848." The letters probably refer to Gale and Hughes, New York
silversmiths, or perhaps to Gale and Hayden, who were in business about
the same time.
Casey, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, received votes of thanks
from the Rhode Island legislature for his services in both the Mexican
and Civil Wars.
Lieutenant Colonel John Bankhead Magruder was given a silver pitcher by
his friends in Baltimore for his Mexican War service. The pitcher[10] is
urn-shaped, has a long, narrow neck, and stands on a tall base. The
entire pitcher is elaborate repousse in a design of roses, sunflowers,
and grapes. An arched and turreted castle is depicted on each side, and
on the center front is the inscription:
Presented to Lt. Col. J. Bankhead Magruder by his Baltimore
friends as a token of their appreciation of his Meritorious
Services in the Mexican War, October 16, 1849.