Dorchester 'First Parish Church' silver graces Sotheby's Important Americana sale

Rare 'Americana' silver from one of America's oldest Parish Churches is auctioning at Sotheby's

Rare and important 17^th, 18^th and early-19^th century American silver from the first-ever Parish Church in Dorchester, Massachusetts, will be offered at Sotheby's next Important Americana auction on 20 and 21 January.

Seventeen silver lots originally from the church will appear for sale, all of which are steeped in US history. This silver memorabilia is linked to the important names and events in early American colonial history and the country's silver making.

First Parish Church is the oldest congregation in the current city of Boston, and also one of the oldest in the US.

Its origins date back to March 1630, when around 140 people came from Dorsetshire, England on the ship 'The Mary and John'. They named their new home Dorchester.

"From its founding in 1630, First Parish Church in Dorchester has always played a significant role in the greater Dorchester community," said Reverend Arthur Lavoie of First Parish Church.

Silver from First Parish Church, the oldest congregation in Boston city

"With a recent period of growth and a renewed sense of purpose in the congregation, we are embarking on a new challenge: raising funds to restore and renovate our buildings, with the goal of becoming a place of meeting and strength for the entire community.

"This sale will allow silver presented to the church in the 17th century to provide for our congregation and city in the 21st century - an incredible gift in both the past and present."

Sotheby's Americana auction will be preceded by a pre-sale expo at its New York Avenue galleries beginning on 14 January. Important American Schoolgirl Embroideries: The Landmark Collection of Betty Ring will appear alongside it.

Watch this space for more news on Sotheby's upcoming Important Americana sale.

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Images: Sotheby's