Antique Silver Plated Champagne Bucket From Hotel Lafayette in Philadelphia

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A rare and beautiful piece of Philadelphia history, an antique circa 1870-80s heavy silver plated champagne bucket made by H. … Read more A rare and beautiful piece of Philadelphia history, an antique circa 1870-80s heavy silver plated champagne bucket made by H. Robbins of Philadelphia for the Lafayette Hotel. The Lafayette began as the La Pierre House hotel, originally built in 1853 it was enlarged a number of times throughout the late 1800s and was one of the premier hotels in Philadelphia until falling on hard times after prohibition and eventually closing. The building was demolished sometime in the 1930s. Harrison Robbins was a Silversmith and Merchant in Philadelphia who was born in 1826 and died in 1892. He worked in the 1870s and 80s in Philadelphia PA from a shop at 916 Chestnut Street. This is one of the only silver pieces I’ve ever seen from this maker, making this bucket a rare piece of both Philadelphia hotel history and a unique piece of the city’s silver making history.

In fantastic condition for its 150-ish years of age, plenty of small signs of use in the way of little surface marks, scratches and dimples, but no damage or signs of old repair. The silver plating is in lovely condition with mild wear and tarnish to the outside, some discoloration and wear to the inside. Measures approximately 9.5 inches tall by 8 inches wide. See less