A late 18^th century American silver milk jug and sugar bowl set, New York circa 1795 by Alexander Snow Gordon (active from 1795)

Federal period comprising a milk jug and a covered twin handled sugar bowl. Each of oval form with a bulbous seam and moulded D section handles, the sugar bowl with a domed pull off lid with cavetto edge, surmounted by a vase shaped finial. Each with bright cut engraved decoration of interlacing bands and stylised laurel leaves Each side with an oval cartouche within a wreath against a striated ground, one side with engraved initials B over E* S in Roman script, the other JAS in flourished cursive script. Each marled GORDON underneath only.

Sugar bowl length – 19.8 cm / 7.85 inches

Weight – 536 grams / 17.23 ozt