Page 796 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

Presented to Mr Thos. Sammon
US Consul General to Shanghai
in appreciation of his cordial friendship to the Chinese
on his transfer to Chu Pao-san

We know from records that Thomas Sammon was
Consul general from 1916-1919 and was then transferred
to Chu Pao-san. The illustrated photograph of Sun Yat-
sen has a signed dedication to “Hon. Thomas Sammon”
and was probably given at the same time as the bowl.

In his memoir “Twenty-Five Years in China”, John B
Powell writes of Februray 1917: “Suddenly the
conversation became hushed as a gray-haired man of
medium height entered the lobby and approached our
table. I was introduced to him, Thomas Sammon,
American Consul-General, a likeable official, who was
constantly obsessed by the fear that something would
happen in the community which might involve him in
complications with the State Department. “

The following illustrated Chinese Export Silver lobed
figural bowl dates to circa 1890 and is the item that
carries the mis-spelled “Shinghai” stamp. It is, however,
far more representational of the quality that became
synonymous with the Wo Shing establishment.