A mid 19th century American presentation silver vase

A mid 19th century American presentation silver vase, by Ball, Tompkins and Black, New York, circa 1850, slender baluster form, flared rim, embossed foliate scroll decoration, on a raised circular foot applied with a floral border, inscribed, ' Mrs Frances Anne Kemble from the committee for the relief of the Hungarian exiles, New York, June 24 1850', height 27cm, approx. weight 13oz. ** Francis 'Fanny' Kemble, (1809-1893), was a noted actress and author, and daughter of Charles Kemble. She made her first stage appearance as Juliet at Covent Garden in 1829. She accompanied her father on a theatrical tour of the US in 1832. She then went on to marry Pierce Butler, an American and heir to one of the largest slave-holders in Georgia. Witnessing the appalling condition and treatment of the slaves led to her involvement in the abolitionist movement. She divorced her husband in 1849. Amongst her compassionate work she supported a group of Hungarian emigres in New York.