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Overview
A ewer is a large jug or pitcher with a wide mouth. This silver and pounamu (greenstone) ewer, and its matching goblets were made by silversmiths Benjamin Petersen Co from Christchurch, New Zealand about 1874. Although the overall design of the set closely follows the English fashions of the time, it is given a distinctly New Zealand flavour by the pounamu medallions inset into the ewer.
The ewer and goblets are an impressive example of New Zealand's long tradition of craftsmanship in precious metals; this work has been described as one of the finest examples of early New Zealand made silverware.
Splendid present
John Marshman was given the ewer and goblets on his retirement as General Manager of the Canterbury Railway Company in April 1874. The set was presented in its own fitted inlaid box with a silver plaque engraved 'Presented to John Marshman April 1874'. The two goblets are also engraved 'JM'.
Te Papa purchased the set from John Marshman's descendants in 1993.