1st item: Sterling silver compote with reticulated sides and scrolled side handles, on a pedestal base. Central medallion monogrammed MLW (Mary Louise Warner Lea). Marked for Nashville retailer B.H. Stief (c. 1860-1960). 5 1/2" H x 9" W at handles. 2nd item: Sterling silver water pitcher, bulbous body with elaborate monogram MLL (Mary Louise Warner Lea) and hollow c scroll handle, marked Sterling 3 1/2 pts. 7 3/4" H. 3rd and 4th items: Pair of silverplated tazzas or compotes with repousse grapevine design to rims and feet, and beaded edges. Stamped Rogers, Smith & Co. Hartford CT on undersides. Total weighable sterling: 27.09 troy ounces.

PROVENANCE: Private Nashville collection. The compote and pitcher were gifted to Luke Lea & Mary Louise Warner Lea of Nashville around the time of their wedding in 1906 and have descended in their family to the present consignor. Mary Louise Warner was the daughter of noted Nashville businessman and civic leader Percy Warner.  Luke Lea (1879-1945) was a U.S. Senator, publisher of the Nashville Tennessean newspaper. The compotes were originally owned by John Berrien Lindsley and his wife, Sarah McGavock, the granddaughter of Randal McGavock, owner of Carnton Plantation. John Berrien Lindsley was a minister and educator who co founded the medical department of the University of Nashville, a forerunner of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. The compotes descended in his family to the present consignor through Nashville writer and historian Margaret Lindsley Warden (1904-2009).

Sterling compote: very good condition. Water pitcher has significant 2" diameter dent to side, other small dents, and does not sit perfectly flat. One of the silverplated compotes has a repair to pedestal at mid section with replaced knop. The basket of the other compote is not completely level.