Sometimes, as an antique dealer, you can find something that is so intriguing that it can take over your whole day. I recently found this solid silver punch ladle that was made by the important and early Philadelphian silversmiths Chaudron’s & Rasch between 1809 and 1813. It is monogrammed with the initials UPL and the Levy family motto of DANT FACTA HANC CORONAM (deeds gave this crown) .... could these initials be for Uriah P Levy? Uriah was A naval officer, real estate investor and a philanthropist, who rose up the ranks, from a cabin boy to eventually become America’s first Jewish Commodore of the Navy. During this time he was instrumental in abolishing flogging from the U.S. Navy. If this is Uriah’s punch ladle, then it is a very important piece of silver indeed. My day has now been taken over with contacting museums, that hold collections of his items, to attempt to verify the monogram. It’s very exciting to see what comes across my desk on a daily basis! #lovemyjob #antiquedealer #brisbaneantiques #coulditbe #possibility #fingerscrossed #uriahplevy #levy #upl #jewishhistory #americanhistory #americannavy #monticellohouse #antiquedealersofinstagram #1809 #1813 #philadelphiahistory (at The Antique Guild)