A GROUP OF JOHN AND ABIGAIL ADAMS SILVER FLATWARE. 4 Fiddle pattern dessert forks by Pierre-Nico...

A GROUP OF JOHN AND ABIGAIL ADAMS SILVER FLATWARE. 4 Fiddle pattern dessert forks by Pierre-Nicolas Sommé, each engraved (later) with the name 'John Adams.' L: 6 9/16 in (167 mm) Provenance: Descended through the family to Patricia Adams Seaman Daniels; sold Sotheby's Important Americana, January 30-February 2, 1991, lot 156; sold privately to the present owner. John Adams was named Commissioner to France in 1777, joining Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee as representatives of the revolutionary government, eager to form an alliance with France and negotiate a commercial treaty with the European power. He remained in Paris until 1779 and was appointed Minister to the Dutch Republic in 1780, where he would ultimately negotiate a critical loan from that government, before returning to Paris in 1782 to negotiate the Treaty of Paris alongside Franklin and Jay. He remained in Paris until 1785, when he and Abigail moved to London to serve as the first U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain. These four pieces of French silver were likely acquired by the Madisons during his second tenure in Paris as the Paris mark (the 'A' with a crown) dates from 1783. By repute they were used by the family during his administration and have been carefully passed down through 5 generations of Adams descendants before being sold at Sotheby's in 1991 (described in 1991 as 'French Silver of American Interest,' Louis XVI table silver owned and used by John and Abigail Adams, 1779-84). Silver examples of Pierre-Nicolas Sommé are also in the Monticello collection, likely acquired by Jefferson during his years as Minister of France (1785-89). For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing