Piece, Presentation

Object number92.67.1

Date1902

MediumSterling silver; Gilt

Credit LineGift of George Anderson

DescriptionSterling silver punch bowl with fine repousse and modeled work. Outside of bowl richly adorned with several medallions, wreathes of laurel, ivy leaves and grapes. The bowl is of a plain hemispherical shape supported upon 4 plain columns. Medallions show portrait of McMurtry, views of Vandergrift, and mill processes. Gilt lining.Dimensions16 in. (40.6 cm)
InscriptionsAround top:VALLEYMILLS PRESENTED TO PRESIDENT GEORGE G. MCMURTRY BY EMPLOYEES OF KISKIMINETAS

Under image of man: “THE FOUNDER OF VANDERGRIFT / A LOVABLE CHARACTER AND POSSESSOR OF MANY / NOBLE QUALITIES WHO BY HIS GENEROUS DEEDS HAS PROVEN HIMSELF A TRUE FRIEND OF THE / WORKINGMAN.

Under image of building: “PRESENTED SATURDAY, OCTOBER THE FOURTH / NINETEEN HUNDRED AND TWO, / AT VANDERGRIFT, PENNSYLVANIA”.

MarksBottom : "TIFFANY & CO. / 15348 Makers 7618 / Sterling Silver / 925-1000 / T"
Historical NotesLouise McMurtry Anderson, granddaughter of original owner, George McMurtry to Heinz History Center, 1992Label TextPresented to U. S. Steel Division President George G. McMurtry in October 1902 by his workers, this punch bowl served as a tribute to ties between capital and labor. As the owner of The American Sheet Steel Company in Vandergrift, McMurtry became a U. S. Steel division president when his company merged into the steel conglomerate. Although supposedly presented by the workers to their manager, it would seem more likely that U. S. Steel used these gifts as an attempt to cement the relationship between themselves and the many companies they absorbed.

Previous owner George McMurtry

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