N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
Trying to document this bowl & There is a reference to a HERNANDEZ in an obscure California pamphlet & It is a long story but here we go:
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1830?)
From the book "Pamphlets Of Lower California 1859-1887 Volume 1":
"MISSION SANTA GERTRUDIO"
"In North Latitude 29 degrees, founded in 1750 by Fathers Conway and Fernando Renzi (the latter a German Jesuit,) is situated twenty-six miles from SAN IGNACIO. It possesses an excellent well of water, and though lacking in agricultural lands, abounds in mineral wealth. The buildings are in an excellent state of preservation. THE SILVER ORNAMENTS WERE MADE FOR THIS MISSION BY A PRACTICAL MINER AND SILVERSMITH, HERNANDEZ, AND BEAR HIS NAME."
The Mission Santa Gertrudio had a Sister Mission named MISSION SAN BORJO:
"MISSON SAN BORJO"
"In North Latitude 29 degrees, founded by FATHER WENCESLAU LINK, a native of Bohemia......The mountains are full of minerals and good gold placer diggings......The mission was robbed of all its SILVER ORNAMENTS in 1849, by emigrants on their way to Upper California."
There were numerous other Missions in Baja California & the Mission System in Alta California operated from 1750 until 1833 when the "Secularization Act" was passed:
"Secularization Act
Governor José Figueroa, who took office in 1833, initially attempted to keep the mission system intact, but after the Mexican Congress passed its Decree for the Secularization of the Missions of the Californias on August 17, 1833, he took action to start secularization enactment.[14] In 1833, Figueroa replaced the Spanish-born Franciscan padres at all of the settlements north of Mission San Antonio de Padua with Mexican-born Franciscan priests from the College of Guadalupe de Zacatecas. In response, Father-Presidente Narciso Durán transferred the headquarters of the Alta California Mission System to Mission Santa Bárbara, where it remained until 1846."
So, from 1750 until 1833 the entire area of Baja California was operated under the jurisdiction of the Catholic Church. The area contained a significant amount of gold and silver. The 1833 Secularization Act aimed to curb the power of the Catholic Church in the region of Baja California as many new settlers moved into the area. The missions were largely in ruins by the time the Pamphlets began to be written in 1859.
"MISSION SANTA GERTRUDIO"
"In North Latitude 29 degrees, founded in 1750 by Fathers Conway and Fernando Renzi (the latter a German Jesuit,) is situated twenty-six miles from SAN IGNACIO. It possesses an excellent well of water, and though lacking in agricultural lands, abounds in mineral wealth. The buildings are in an excellent state of preservation. THE SILVER ORNAMENTS WERE MADE FOR THIS MISSION BY A PRACTICAL MINER AND SILVERSMITH, HERNANDEZ, AND BEAR HIS NAME."
The Mission Santa Gertrudio had a Sister Mission named MISSION SAN BORJO:
"MISSON SAN BORJO"
"In North Latitude 29 degrees, founded by FATHER WENCESLAU LINK, a native of Bohemia......The mountains are full of minerals and good gold placer diggings......The mission was robbed of all its SILVER ORNAMENTS in 1849, by emigrants on their way to Upper California."
There were numerous other Missions in Baja California & the Mission System in Alta California operated from 1750 until 1833 when the "Secularization Act" was passed:
"Secularization Act
Governor José Figueroa, who took office in 1833, initially attempted to keep the mission system intact, but after the Mexican Congress passed its Decree for the Secularization of the Missions of the Californias on August 17, 1833, he took action to start secularization enactment.[14] In 1833, Figueroa replaced the Spanish-born Franciscan padres at all of the settlements north of Mission San Antonio de Padua with Mexican-born Franciscan priests from the College of Guadalupe de Zacatecas. In response, Father-Presidente Narciso Durán transferred the headquarters of the Alta California Mission System to Mission Santa Bárbara, where it remained until 1846."
So, from 1750 until 1833 the entire area of Baja California was operated under the jurisdiction of the Catholic Church. The area contained a significant amount of gold and silver. The 1833 Secularization Act aimed to curb the power of the Catholic Church in the region of Baja California as many new settlers moved into the area. The missions were largely in ruins by the time the Pamphlets began to be written in 1859.
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
Below the state of "Alta California" is the peninsula region of Baja California:
The pamphlets mention a silversmith by the name of HERNANDEZ who made silver ornaments for the Mission Santa Gertrudio.
Then, the pamphlets say that the Mission San Borjo, the sister mission to Mission Santa Gertrudio, was robbed of all its silver ornaments in 1849.
Is it possible that this bowl was from either Mission Santa Gertrudio or Mission San Borja and were part of the collection of silver kept at one of the missions? Or maybe made by the Baja California silversmith HERNANDEZ (like the pamphlets mention) for someone else living in Baja California circa 1825?
"Misión San Francisco Borja de Adac was a Spanish mission established in 1762 by the Jesuit Wenceslaus Linck at the Cochimí settlement of Adac, west of Bahía de los Ángeles. The mission was named after Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía.
History
Before becoming a mission, the future site of San Borja served as a visita or subordinate mission station for Misión Santa Gertrudis. The construction of buildings was begun in 1759. A stone church was completed during the Dominican period, in 1801.
The mission was abandoned in 1818, as the native population in this part of the peninsula disappeared. Structures and ruins survive."
The pamphlets mention a silversmith by the name of HERNANDEZ who made silver ornaments for the Mission Santa Gertrudio.
Then, the pamphlets say that the Mission San Borjo, the sister mission to Mission Santa Gertrudio, was robbed of all its silver ornaments in 1849.
Is it possible that this bowl was from either Mission Santa Gertrudio or Mission San Borja and were part of the collection of silver kept at one of the missions? Or maybe made by the Baja California silversmith HERNANDEZ (like the pamphlets mention) for someone else living in Baja California circa 1825?
"Misión San Francisco Borja de Adac was a Spanish mission established in 1762 by the Jesuit Wenceslaus Linck at the Cochimí settlement of Adac, west of Bahía de los Ángeles. The mission was named after Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía.
History
Before becoming a mission, the future site of San Borja served as a visita or subordinate mission station for Misión Santa Gertrudis. The construction of buildings was begun in 1759. A stone church was completed during the Dominican period, in 1801.
The mission was abandoned in 1818, as the native population in this part of the peninsula disappeared. Structures and ruins survive."
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
::: The HErNANDEZ bowl is half the size of the Sons Of Liberty Bowl by Paul Revere, Jr. :::::::
:::: HERNANDEZ is 3 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide. :::::::
::::: Sons Of Liberty Bowl is 5 inches tall and 11 inches wide ::::::
:::: The Sons Of Liberty Bowl did help me to understand the HERNANDEZ bowl, as did this bowl by Asa Blanchard circa 1820: "Bowl marked by Asa Blanchard, ca. 1810, Lexington, KY. Silver; Height: 3”, Diameter: 6-1/2”." (the dimensions of the Asa Blanchard bowl are almost identical to the dimensions of the HERNANDEZ bowl)
:::::: Thank you to everyone who helped me research this bowl and thank you for anyone who would like to comment on this bowl. ::::::
:::: HERNANDEZ is 3 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide. :::::::
::::: Sons Of Liberty Bowl is 5 inches tall and 11 inches wide ::::::
:::: The Sons Of Liberty Bowl did help me to understand the HERNANDEZ bowl, as did this bowl by Asa Blanchard circa 1820: "Bowl marked by Asa Blanchard, ca. 1810, Lexington, KY. Silver; Height: 3”, Diameter: 6-1/2”." (the dimensions of the Asa Blanchard bowl are almost identical to the dimensions of the HERNANDEZ bowl)
:::::: Thank you to everyone who helped me research this bowl and thank you for anyone who would like to comment on this bowl. ::::::
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
::::::::::::::::: ADDENDUM: FURTHER POSSIBILITIES ::::::::::::::::::::
HERNANDEZ BROTHERS SPUR MAKERS:
There is a mention of Hernandez Brothers in the history of silver spurs. There were 5 brothers with the name Hernandez and they made spurs and other metalworks for various retailers. I believe they lived in California. There are auctions for "California Style Spurs" and other spurs "attributed to Hernandez" but the authoritative books on the history of spurs is something I have not yet checked. There could be additional information.
REPUBLIC OF TEXAS SILVERSMITH?
The inscription on the HERNANDEZ bowl may have something to do with the military activities associated with the founding of the Republic of Texas.
The above image is the flag of the Guerrero Battalion.
"Named for the Mexican revolutionary hero, Vincente Guerrero, the battalion became part of the Republic of Mexico’s national army in 1823. By the time of the Texas Revolution, it had become a fierce fighting force.
In 1836, the Guerrero Battalion was part of the Second Infantry Brigade, sent to reinforce General Santa Anna’s army following its heavy losses at the Alamo. The battalion arrived at the San Jacinto camp on the morning of April 21, 1836 after a 24 hour forced march. Exhausted, the men were resting when, at about 4:30 p.m., bugles sounded the alarm that General Sam Houston’s army was attacking. The fighting lasted only 18 minutes. Most of the men of the battalion were killed..."
In the battle of San Jacinto in 1836, the tide had turned in the Texican Army's favor against the Mexican Army and General Santa Anna fled the scene.
The Hero and Flag Bearer of the Battle of San Jacinto, Capturer of "Napoleon of the West" Santa Anna, was named James Austin Sylvester.
After the battle, there was a "booty auction" and many items made of silver were distributed to the soldiers under the command of Sidney Sherman (from Kentucky originally).
"Sidney Sherman was a businessman in Newport, Kentucky when he learned of the revolution being fought in Texas. He sold his business and used the money to outfit 52 volunteer soldiers to accompany him to Texas. Sherman and his men arrived in time to join the Texan Army at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. From their position on the San Jacinto River, the Texan Army caught Santa Anna’s forces in a surprise attack. The battle lasted only 18 minutes, ending in victory for the Texans.
After the battle, Sherman was responsible for allocating the Mexican Army's captured arms, supplies, and useful property to Texan soldiers. For himself, Sherman kept one of Santa Anna’s saddles, liberally decorated with silver. He had the silver melted down and remade into keepsakes for his family and close friends.
He gave a napkin ring to his wife, Catherine Isabel Sherman. The ring is engraved with her initials and "San Jacinto." He gave a similarly engraved napkin ring to a family friend, Mrs. Saville Fenwick Harris. The soup ladle was given to an unknown person with the initials L. B. C. The fork is simply engraved "San Jacinto S.""
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Monogram on the HERNANDEZ bowl appears to be "J A S" which would correspond to the name JAMES AUSTIN SYLVESTER, the Hero and Flag Bearer of the Battle Of San Jacinto, Capturer of the "Napoleon of the West" Santa Anna.
The HERNANDEZ bowl could have been presented to JAMES AUSTIN SYLVESTER by SIDNEY SHERMAN. Or, the HERNANDEZ bowl could have been part of Santa Anna's booty and monogrammed later to commemorate JAMES AUSTIN SYLVESTER's role in capturing General Santa Anna. It is even possible that General Santa Anna himself presented the bowl to James Austin Sylvester as a gift to thank him as General Santa Anna was traded back to Mexico and began one of the most unlikely rises to power the world has ever seen. General Santa Anna became president of Mexico several times, and was quite wealthy in the years following his capture at the Battle Of San Jacinto.
One of General Santa Anna's silver bowls did survive being melted down, and is on display in a Texas museum:
James Austin Sylvester and General Santa Anna both have memoir literature associated with them, so I will try to see if there is any mention of a silver bowl.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HERNANDEZ BROTHERS SPUR MAKERS:
There is a mention of Hernandez Brothers in the history of silver spurs. There were 5 brothers with the name Hernandez and they made spurs and other metalworks for various retailers. I believe they lived in California. There are auctions for "California Style Spurs" and other spurs "attributed to Hernandez" but the authoritative books on the history of spurs is something I have not yet checked. There could be additional information.
REPUBLIC OF TEXAS SILVERSMITH?
The inscription on the HERNANDEZ bowl may have something to do with the military activities associated with the founding of the Republic of Texas.
The above image is the flag of the Guerrero Battalion.
"Named for the Mexican revolutionary hero, Vincente Guerrero, the battalion became part of the Republic of Mexico’s national army in 1823. By the time of the Texas Revolution, it had become a fierce fighting force.
In 1836, the Guerrero Battalion was part of the Second Infantry Brigade, sent to reinforce General Santa Anna’s army following its heavy losses at the Alamo. The battalion arrived at the San Jacinto camp on the morning of April 21, 1836 after a 24 hour forced march. Exhausted, the men were resting when, at about 4:30 p.m., bugles sounded the alarm that General Sam Houston’s army was attacking. The fighting lasted only 18 minutes. Most of the men of the battalion were killed..."
In the battle of San Jacinto in 1836, the tide had turned in the Texican Army's favor against the Mexican Army and General Santa Anna fled the scene.
The Hero and Flag Bearer of the Battle of San Jacinto, Capturer of "Napoleon of the West" Santa Anna, was named James Austin Sylvester.
After the battle, there was a "booty auction" and many items made of silver were distributed to the soldiers under the command of Sidney Sherman (from Kentucky originally).
"Sidney Sherman was a businessman in Newport, Kentucky when he learned of the revolution being fought in Texas. He sold his business and used the money to outfit 52 volunteer soldiers to accompany him to Texas. Sherman and his men arrived in time to join the Texan Army at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. From their position on the San Jacinto River, the Texan Army caught Santa Anna’s forces in a surprise attack. The battle lasted only 18 minutes, ending in victory for the Texans.
After the battle, Sherman was responsible for allocating the Mexican Army's captured arms, supplies, and useful property to Texan soldiers. For himself, Sherman kept one of Santa Anna’s saddles, liberally decorated with silver. He had the silver melted down and remade into keepsakes for his family and close friends.
He gave a napkin ring to his wife, Catherine Isabel Sherman. The ring is engraved with her initials and "San Jacinto." He gave a similarly engraved napkin ring to a family friend, Mrs. Saville Fenwick Harris. The soup ladle was given to an unknown person with the initials L. B. C. The fork is simply engraved "San Jacinto S.""
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Monogram on the HERNANDEZ bowl appears to be "J A S" which would correspond to the name JAMES AUSTIN SYLVESTER, the Hero and Flag Bearer of the Battle Of San Jacinto, Capturer of the "Napoleon of the West" Santa Anna.
The HERNANDEZ bowl could have been presented to JAMES AUSTIN SYLVESTER by SIDNEY SHERMAN. Or, the HERNANDEZ bowl could have been part of Santa Anna's booty and monogrammed later to commemorate JAMES AUSTIN SYLVESTER's role in capturing General Santa Anna. It is even possible that General Santa Anna himself presented the bowl to James Austin Sylvester as a gift to thank him as General Santa Anna was traded back to Mexico and began one of the most unlikely rises to power the world has ever seen. General Santa Anna became president of Mexico several times, and was quite wealthy in the years following his capture at the Battle Of San Jacinto.
One of General Santa Anna's silver bowls did survive being melted down, and is on display in a Texas museum:
James Austin Sylvester and General Santa Anna both have memoir literature associated with them, so I will try to see if there is any mention of a silver bowl.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
:::: To prove the last letter in the monogram is an "S" here is a comparison between the silver napkin ring made from Santa Anna's silver saddle melted down by Sidney Sherman and given to his wife Catharine Isabel Sherman (monogram C. I. S.) :::::::::: Compare to the last letter on the HERMANDEZ bowl with monogram J. A. S. ::::::: The style of the "S" is exactly the same. :::::
::::: Sidney Sherman was living in The Republic Of Texas when the Santa Anna Silver Saddle was melted down and durned into 2 napkin rings, 2 forks, a soup ladle, and a knife ::::::: But who was the silversmith who melted down Santa Anna's Silver Saddle and turned the silver saddle into silver silverware? ::::::
::::: Sidney Sherman was living in The Republic Of Texas when the Santa Anna Silver Saddle was melted down and durned into 2 napkin rings, 2 forks, a soup ladle, and a knife ::::::: But who was the silversmith who melted down Santa Anna's Silver Saddle and turned the silver saddle into silver silverware? ::::::
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
::::: The "Laurel Wreath With Ribbon" symbol was adapted by many countries in South America to symbolize national pride and victory. Mexico was no exception and adapted the image to include the Eagle/Snake motif as seen in the battle flags of Santa Anna. The coins of South America in the 1830s bear similar "Laurel Wreath With Ribbon" designs. In 1837 there was a complete re-design of American Coinage and the silver dimes and half-dimes of 1837 were pictured with a new "Laurel Wreath With Ribbon" design that was distinctively American:
::::::: My best guess at this point is that the design of the monogram was taken directly from the new 1837 dime/half-dime. :::::::::
::::::: My best guess at this point is that the design of the monogram was taken directly from the new 1837 dime/half-dime. :::::::::
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
:::::: JAMES AUSTIN SYLVESTER remained in Texas from 1837 until 1843 and participated in the Republic Of Texas Legislature. :::::
:::::: "Captain Sylvester lived at Texana for a number of years, was county treasurer of Jackson County. He was a member of the Somervell Expedition in 1842 and enlisted from Texana, Jackson County. He moved to New Orleans in 1843 and remained there until his death April 9, 1882." ::::::
:::::::::::: A silver bowl with a Monogram taken directly from the new 1837 silver dime might be an appropriate gift for a Treasurer ::::::::::::::::
:::::: "Captain Sylvester lived at Texana for a number of years, was county treasurer of Jackson County. He was a member of the Somervell Expedition in 1842 and enlisted from Texana, Jackson County. He moved to New Orleans in 1843 and remained there until his death April 9, 1882." ::::::
:::::::::::: A silver bowl with a Monogram taken directly from the new 1837 silver dime might be an appropriate gift for a Treasurer ::::::::::::::::
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
Just to be clear, are you suggesting N. Hernandez is a maker living in Texana in 1837…or do you think it is war booty that has been embellished by someone other than the maker at this later date? BTW..the mission/sub-mission dates did not seem to add up…how can it be abandoned in 1818, order silver later, and be looted long after that? What do you make of that double strike of the smith’s punch…under pressure to get it done?
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
:::::: I'm trying to present all the evidence and then sort it all out. We have a HERNANDEZ who made silver ornaments for Santa Gertrudio Mission in Baja California and we have a looting of silver ornaments from its sister mission Santo Borjo. We have a family of HERNANDEZ silversmiths who make silver spurs and silver horse-related equipment in California circa 1880. And a third theory which is an unknown HERNANDEZ silversmith who was living in Texana (The Republic Of Texas and associated lands) who (possibly) melted down the silver from Santa Anna's silver saddle and cast the soup ladle, knife, and 2 napkin rings for SIDNEY SHERMAN after the battle of San Jacinto. SIDNEY SHERMAN built a sawmill, part of a railroad, a mansion, and funded the re-building of the town of Harrisburg after it was destroyed. The monogram letters on the SIDNEY SHERMAN napkin ring are similar to the monogram letters on the HERNANDEZ bowl. We know SIDNEY SHERMAN is in the habit of melting down silver and having that silver formed into silver objects that are in the traditionally American style of the time. The HERNANDEZ bowl fits into this tradition, as its construction is similar to the Kentucky bowl by ASA BLANCHARD. The decoration around the rim has been seen on pieces by MERRIMAN of Memphis Tennessee.
There was a large amount of silver specie seized after the battle of San Jacinto.
"As soon as the the Texian officers knew the day was theirs, a guard was set on the Mexican camp to prevent pillaging. $12,000 in gold and silver was captured. The men voted to give $3000 to the Texas Navy. The rest was divided between them ($11.50 per man) to be spent at the booty auction on April 26 where the arms and goods captured in Santa Anna’s camp were sold."
Santa Anna's personal saddle was kept by Sidney Sherman who melted down the silver decorations on the saddle to make the soup ladle, the knife, and the 2 napkin rings now on display in a Texas museum.
The HERNANDEZ bowl may have been cast from silver from Santa Anna's saddle. (I was told the silver content of the bowl is sterling and not 0.900 coin silver, but I will have to double-check this claim) Or, perhaps the $11.50 payment was melted down and the bowl was cast from that silver payment, a way to immortalize the payment as a trophy bowl. Based on the new coin designs of 1837, the HERNANDEZ bowl was given to JAS AUSTIN SYLVESTER at some point between 1837 and 1843. The HERNANDEZ bowl could have been made at the same time as the Ladle/Knife/NapkinRings. There is an unknown silversmith working for SIDNEY SHERMAN, otherwise how could he have melted down Santa Anna's silver saddle and cast them into traditionally American Ladle/Knife/NapkinRings? Only the bowl is marked with a name as it is a presentation piece. The other smaller pieces aren't marked for whatever reason (the name is too long? general sentiment after the battle of San Jacinto would have caused an omission of the name HERNANDEZ? etc.).
I don't think this bowl belonged to Santa Anna. All of Santa Anna's silver that exists bears no hallmarks. His silver finery seems to have been imported from the retail silver district of Mexico City (from memory, have to find that reference again). The construction of the bowl seems American, similar to ASA BLANCHARD of Kentucky. The design along the rim seems similar to MERRIMAN working in Memphis. Santa Anna's Chamber Pot (silver bowl in a Texas museum) seems very distinctly made in the Spanish Colonial Style. If this were a bowl from Santa Anna's booty, I would expect the form to be in the Spanish Colonial Style. This is the impression I have at this point in time.
The double-strike I have considered and have no explanation. Maybe hesitant about stamping this name in the newly formed Republic Of Texas?
There was a large amount of silver specie seized after the battle of San Jacinto.
"As soon as the the Texian officers knew the day was theirs, a guard was set on the Mexican camp to prevent pillaging. $12,000 in gold and silver was captured. The men voted to give $3000 to the Texas Navy. The rest was divided between them ($11.50 per man) to be spent at the booty auction on April 26 where the arms and goods captured in Santa Anna’s camp were sold."
Santa Anna's personal saddle was kept by Sidney Sherman who melted down the silver decorations on the saddle to make the soup ladle, the knife, and the 2 napkin rings now on display in a Texas museum.
The HERNANDEZ bowl may have been cast from silver from Santa Anna's saddle. (I was told the silver content of the bowl is sterling and not 0.900 coin silver, but I will have to double-check this claim) Or, perhaps the $11.50 payment was melted down and the bowl was cast from that silver payment, a way to immortalize the payment as a trophy bowl. Based on the new coin designs of 1837, the HERNANDEZ bowl was given to JAS AUSTIN SYLVESTER at some point between 1837 and 1843. The HERNANDEZ bowl could have been made at the same time as the Ladle/Knife/NapkinRings. There is an unknown silversmith working for SIDNEY SHERMAN, otherwise how could he have melted down Santa Anna's silver saddle and cast them into traditionally American Ladle/Knife/NapkinRings? Only the bowl is marked with a name as it is a presentation piece. The other smaller pieces aren't marked for whatever reason (the name is too long? general sentiment after the battle of San Jacinto would have caused an omission of the name HERNANDEZ? etc.).
I don't think this bowl belonged to Santa Anna. All of Santa Anna's silver that exists bears no hallmarks. His silver finery seems to have been imported from the retail silver district of Mexico City (from memory, have to find that reference again). The construction of the bowl seems American, similar to ASA BLANCHARD of Kentucky. The design along the rim seems similar to MERRIMAN working in Memphis. Santa Anna's Chamber Pot (silver bowl in a Texas museum) seems very distinctly made in the Spanish Colonial Style. If this were a bowl from Santa Anna's booty, I would expect the form to be in the Spanish Colonial Style. This is the impression I have at this point in time.
The double-strike I have considered and have no explanation. Maybe hesitant about stamping this name in the newly formed Republic Of Texas?
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
:::: The Booty Auction following The Battle Of San Jacinto:
"The military chest contained eleven thousand dollars in specie.
Santa Anna's fine saddle, which was in my possession that night,
brought eight hundred dollars when sold at auction the next day.
All the FINERY AND SILVER with the military chest brought sixteen
hundred dollars. After three thousand was voted to the navy,
there was left for every man in the service, whether in the battle
or not, eleven dollars apiece. I do not believe the rumors of em-
bezzlement. It is my opinion that everything was handled fairly
and squarely."
(Memoirs of Major George Bernard Erath, II
Author(s): Lucy A. Erath and George Bernard Erath)
::::: Sixteen Hundred Dollars is a lot of money for all that FINERY AND SILVER but I still have doubts that this bowl was part of Santa Anna's wooden chest which contained all the silver. ::::::::::::
"The military chest contained eleven thousand dollars in specie.
Santa Anna's fine saddle, which was in my possession that night,
brought eight hundred dollars when sold at auction the next day.
All the FINERY AND SILVER with the military chest brought sixteen
hundred dollars. After three thousand was voted to the navy,
there was left for every man in the service, whether in the battle
or not, eleven dollars apiece. I do not believe the rumors of em-
bezzlement. It is my opinion that everything was handled fairly
and squarely."
(Memoirs of Major George Bernard Erath, II
Author(s): Lucy A. Erath and George Bernard Erath)
::::: Sixteen Hundred Dollars is a lot of money for all that FINERY AND SILVER but I still have doubts that this bowl was part of Santa Anna's wooden chest which contained all the silver. ::::::::::::
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
The Traditionally American-Style Silverware made from the melted-down silver saddle of Santa Anna as purchased by SIDNEY SHERMAN in the Booty Auction following the Battle Of San Jacinto:
(All unmarked, but monogrammed for SIDNEY SHERMAN's family members, monogram letter style similar in style to the HERNANDEZ bowl monogram letter style)
(All unmarked, but monogrammed for SIDNEY SHERMAN's family members, monogram letter style similar in style to the HERNANDEZ bowl monogram letter style)
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
(The soup ladle has large gothic letters which appear to have been added 1860-1880 in my opinion, but the monogram on the napkin ring is my main focus at this point, I would like to see all these objects in person)
::: JAMES AUSTIN SYLVESTER's name appears as JAS AUSTIN SYLVESTER on the San Jacinto Masonic Monument (made in 1936) so it is interesting that the "JAS" could be both a monogram and a first-name-abbreviation. ::::::
::: JAMES AUSTIN SYLVESTER's name appears as JAS AUSTIN SYLVESTER on the San Jacinto Masonic Monument (made in 1936) so it is interesting that the "JAS" could be both a monogram and a first-name-abbreviation. ::::::
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
:::: Another example of this border style, this time from EASTMAN in Georgia, still have not found something similar from 19th Century Mexico. :
::::: JAMES AUSTIN SYLVESTER never married and I do not know who his legal heirs were, will try to track down his will if he had a will at all. :
::::: JAMES AUSTIN SYLVESTER never married and I do not know who his legal heirs were, will try to track down his will if he had a will at all. :
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
:::: The construction method of the bowl seems consistent with a description of the way ASA BLANCHARD (Kentucky 1810-1836)
From the MESDA Journal Of Early Southern Decorative Arts: "....sugar bowl [is] consistent with the construction and design of other silver that came out of Blanchard’s shop. The bodies are not raised from a disc but made from rolled sheet silver and seamed, as would be expected in an early-nineteenth-century American shop." :::::
(seam as seen on the HERNANDEZ bowl base & if there is a seam on the body of the bowl, all traces have been erased, but the base of the bowl still shows a seam that I believe is consistent with the description "made from rolled sheet silver and seamed")
::::: Pics showing the stance of bowl for comparison purposes with other bowls:
From the MESDA Journal Of Early Southern Decorative Arts: "....sugar bowl [is] consistent with the construction and design of other silver that came out of Blanchard’s shop. The bodies are not raised from a disc but made from rolled sheet silver and seamed, as would be expected in an early-nineteenth-century American shop." :::::
(seam as seen on the HERNANDEZ bowl base & if there is a seam on the body of the bowl, all traces have been erased, but the base of the bowl still shows a seam that I believe is consistent with the description "made from rolled sheet silver and seamed")
::::: Pics showing the stance of bowl for comparison purposes with other bowls:
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
::::: JAMES AUSTIN SYLVESTER has a gravestone that has a laurel wreath with a tied bow. ::::::::
::::::::: Just another coincidental similarity in the strange saga of the HERNANDEZ bowl ::::::::
::::::::: Just another coincidental similarity in the strange saga of the HERNANDEZ bowl ::::::::
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
:::: Approved on January 25th, 1839 was the leaf-and-bow design for the Republic Of Texas ::::::
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
:::: Santa Anna used a wreath-with-bow style crest with the symbol of the eagle eating the snake in the center of the wreath. ::::
:::: The San Jacinto Museum And Battlefield might have other materials in their unpublished archives which might have additional information. ::::::
(Handpainted china dinner plate with Mexican eagle with snake on cactus in center framed by olive and laurel branch. Formerly belonged to Antonio López de Santa Anna. Bought by the donor from a Mexican family in Brownsville, Texas, who were refuges from the Diaz regime in Mexico and who had obtained the plate from Santa Anna.)
:::: The San Jacinto Museum And Battlefield might have other materials in their unpublished archives which might have additional information. ::::::
(Handpainted china dinner plate with Mexican eagle with snake on cactus in center framed by olive and laurel branch. Formerly belonged to Antonio López de Santa Anna. Bought by the donor from a Mexican family in Brownsville, Texas, who were refuges from the Diaz regime in Mexico and who had obtained the plate from Santa Anna.)
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
::::: I have been thinking that the "N:HERNANDEZ" is actually not a makers mark, but it is a sort of tax-stamp, an indication that the tax duties had been paid on this silver bowl. Clearly there is a colon following the letter "N" which is something I had never seen before. So, an extraordinary hallmark requires an extraordinary explanation. And I have found that explanation. There was a customs-house official named "GIL HERNANDEZ" who was in charge of the port of Galveston and attempted to enforce the tax duty laws to the fullest extent. ::::::::::
:::::: (Exactly what the "N:" means is something I am trying to figure out, it could mean "Nullified" as in the tax has been officially nullified by HERNANDEZ. There seems to be a very brief period of time when Galveston was replaced by a new settlement called "New Washington" so I am wondering if the "N" stands for "New Washington" but I have to do more research into whatever New Washington was in 1835.). ::::::::::::
The following is taken from
::::::::::::: "DIFFICULTIES OF A MEXICAN REVENUE OFFICER IN TEXAS". ::::::::::::::::
by EUGENE C. BARKER
The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Vol. 4, No. 3 (JANUARY, 1901), pp. 190-202 (13 pages)
"Those who paid began to murmur that the illicit trade of their
less conscientious neighbors should be suppressed, and the latter
probably grew envious of those fortunate individuals whose credit
was good at the custom house and who were thereby enabled to
introduce their merchandise free, without undergoing the incon
venience of smuggling. The result was that many soon refused
openly to pay duties at all.
The discontent of the colonists was increased, too, from the fact
that the revenue laws were not enforced consistently in different
parts of the same section. The collector for the "ports of Galves
ton"(Galveston and Anahuac) was Don Jose Gonzalez, but
apparently without authority, he stationed himself at Brazoria, a
much more pleasant post, and began the discharge of his office by
collecting only the tonnage duties, saying that he had no instruc
tion to levy the specific duties of the tariff; while at the same
time his deputies, Gil Hernandez and Martin de Alegria took
charge respectively of the custom houses at Galveston and Ana
huac and attempted to enforce the tariff in its fullest extent. The
opposition of the merchants of Anahuac had reached such a point
by the middle of April as to induce the loyal Ayuntamiento of
Liberty to issue a proclamation (April 17) informing "all the
good citizens of this Jurisdiction that a proper obedience to the
Laws is the first duty of a good citizen," and that "the revenue
laws like all other political laws are to be respected by those who
come within the legitimate scope of their action." They were of
the opinion that the tariff was "disproportionate in some particu
lars and oppressive in others," and stood in "great need of modifi
cation;" but thought this modification could only be effected by
the national Congress, and in the meantime urged all "good citi
zens" to observe, and all military officers to enforce the revenue
laws."
[quotes are taken from various letters from 1835 and are in the Austin & Bexar Archives]
(gartechea to Tenorio, April 14, 1835.? Bexar Archives.
2Texas Republican, August 8, 1835.? Austin Papers.
3Manifesto of the Ayuntamiento of Liberty (April 17, 1835), in the
Texas Republican, May 30, 1835.? Austin Papers.)
:::::::::: At this point in time my best guess is that this bowl was imported into Galveston in 1835 right before The Battle Of San Jacinto in 1836. The establishment of the Texas Republic was inspired by the discontent with Mexican Tax Duties on goods imported into the region, and it is similar to what the early American colonists were facing circa 1770. I think the bowl is Southern based on the resemblances to Kentucky, Georgia and Tennessee forms. I have to look into Louisiana too. I believe the engraving was added around 1837-1838 by the same engraver who engraved Sidney Sherman's tableware and the bowl was subsequently given to James Austin Sylvester. The bowl represents a triumph over Mexican taxation authority, and the engraving celebrates the soldier who captured Santa Anna at The Battle Of San Jacinto and helped usher in the Republic Of Texas. ::::::::::
:::::: (Exactly what the "N:" means is something I am trying to figure out, it could mean "Nullified" as in the tax has been officially nullified by HERNANDEZ. There seems to be a very brief period of time when Galveston was replaced by a new settlement called "New Washington" so I am wondering if the "N" stands for "New Washington" but I have to do more research into whatever New Washington was in 1835.). ::::::::::::
The following is taken from
::::::::::::: "DIFFICULTIES OF A MEXICAN REVENUE OFFICER IN TEXAS". ::::::::::::::::
by EUGENE C. BARKER
The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Vol. 4, No. 3 (JANUARY, 1901), pp. 190-202 (13 pages)
"Those who paid began to murmur that the illicit trade of their
less conscientious neighbors should be suppressed, and the latter
probably grew envious of those fortunate individuals whose credit
was good at the custom house and who were thereby enabled to
introduce their merchandise free, without undergoing the incon
venience of smuggling. The result was that many soon refused
openly to pay duties at all.
The discontent of the colonists was increased, too, from the fact
that the revenue laws were not enforced consistently in different
parts of the same section. The collector for the "ports of Galves
ton"(Galveston and Anahuac) was Don Jose Gonzalez, but
apparently without authority, he stationed himself at Brazoria, a
much more pleasant post, and began the discharge of his office by
collecting only the tonnage duties, saying that he had no instruc
tion to levy the specific duties of the tariff; while at the same
time his deputies, Gil Hernandez and Martin de Alegria took
charge respectively of the custom houses at Galveston and Ana
huac and attempted to enforce the tariff in its fullest extent. The
opposition of the merchants of Anahuac had reached such a point
by the middle of April as to induce the loyal Ayuntamiento of
Liberty to issue a proclamation (April 17) informing "all the
good citizens of this Jurisdiction that a proper obedience to the
Laws is the first duty of a good citizen," and that "the revenue
laws like all other political laws are to be respected by those who
come within the legitimate scope of their action." They were of
the opinion that the tariff was "disproportionate in some particu
lars and oppressive in others," and stood in "great need of modifi
cation;" but thought this modification could only be effected by
the national Congress, and in the meantime urged all "good citi
zens" to observe, and all military officers to enforce the revenue
laws."
[quotes are taken from various letters from 1835 and are in the Austin & Bexar Archives]
(gartechea to Tenorio, April 14, 1835.? Bexar Archives.
2Texas Republican, August 8, 1835.? Austin Papers.
3Manifesto of the Ayuntamiento of Liberty (April 17, 1835), in the
Texas Republican, May 30, 1835.? Austin Papers.)
:::::::::: At this point in time my best guess is that this bowl was imported into Galveston in 1835 right before The Battle Of San Jacinto in 1836. The establishment of the Texas Republic was inspired by the discontent with Mexican Tax Duties on goods imported into the region, and it is similar to what the early American colonists were facing circa 1770. I think the bowl is Southern based on the resemblances to Kentucky, Georgia and Tennessee forms. I have to look into Louisiana too. I believe the engraving was added around 1837-1838 by the same engraver who engraved Sidney Sherman's tableware and the bowl was subsequently given to James Austin Sylvester. The bowl represents a triumph over Mexican taxation authority, and the engraving celebrates the soldier who captured Santa Anna at The Battle Of San Jacinto and helped usher in the Republic Of Texas. ::::::::::
Re: N.HERNANDEZ (Baja California? c.1820?)
::::: From 1824 to 1835 there was an area of land in Texas named "Coahuila y Tejas" and here's what happened in 1834-1835:
"Coahuila y Tejas was divided into several departments, each of which was governed by a political chief. Departments were further subdivided into municipalities, which were governed by alcaldes, similar to a modern-day mayor. Each municipality also had an elected ayuntamiento, similar to a city council. Originally, all of Texas was included in the Department of Béxar, while Coahuila comprised several departments.[33] After many protests from residents of Texas, in early 1834 the region was divided into three departments, Béxar, Brazos, and Nacogdoches. At the same time, Texas was granted three representatives to the state legislature from the original two.
Laws were set by a state legislature. Ten of the 12 members were elected from Coahuila, with two coming from Texas.[35] Legislators met at the state capital, originally Saltillo, Coahuila, later Monclova, Coahuila. The choice of capital city was controversial; Saltillo was located in the extreme south of the state, more than 300 leagues from the northernmost part of Texas."
:::::: My best guess is that the "N:HERNANDEZ" means the bowl was imported into the Galveston Customs House and then exported to Nacodoches. ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The "N" is a designation for the "Nacodoches" department ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Coahuila y Tejas was divided into several departments, each of which was governed by a political chief. Departments were further subdivided into municipalities, which were governed by alcaldes, similar to a modern-day mayor. Each municipality also had an elected ayuntamiento, similar to a city council. Originally, all of Texas was included in the Department of Béxar, while Coahuila comprised several departments.[33] After many protests from residents of Texas, in early 1834 the region was divided into three departments, Béxar, Brazos, and Nacogdoches. At the same time, Texas was granted three representatives to the state legislature from the original two.
Laws were set by a state legislature. Ten of the 12 members were elected from Coahuila, with two coming from Texas.[35] Legislators met at the state capital, originally Saltillo, Coahuila, later Monclova, Coahuila. The choice of capital city was controversial; Saltillo was located in the extreme south of the state, more than 300 leagues from the northernmost part of Texas."
:::::: My best guess is that the "N:HERNANDEZ" means the bowl was imported into the Galveston Customs House and then exported to Nacodoches. ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The "N" is a designation for the "Nacodoches" department ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::