I am trying to acquire information about a William Reynolds, who was
perhaps captain of a vessel called Lesperance in 1878.
I have a tea set with an anchor on it and says given to my wife on New
Years Eve 1878. Wm Reynolds.
Would like some history about it, my mother bought it in an antique shope
shop many years ago.
Nancy Brassert

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Request for Question Clarification by justaskscott-ga on 23 Jan 2003 20:41 PST

Hi sallytalley-ga,

I'm confused why you think that William Reynolds was captain of a ship
called Lesperance, based on a tea set with an anchor on it.  What in
particular makes you think that Mr. Reynolds was captain of this ship?
 I assume that it has to do with the anchor; in that case, what
exactly does the anchor look like?  Is the anchor engraved on the tea
set?  Where on the tea set is it engraved?

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Request for Question Clarification by justaskscott-ga on 17 Feb 2003 09:53 PST

I don't have any information on William Reynolds or Lesperance. 
However, I do have information on the Wallingford CT company,
including the correct name, some history, and the material they used. 
(In general, I can point you to a lot of information about the items
the company produced, including prices.)  Would this information be
sufficient for an answer?

I did find the ship is actually a French ship, called L'esperance. I
found references to it as an immigrant ship in 1820, and later in
Australia in 1791. There was no mention of an English or American
captain. Perhaps another researcher will have more luck.
nvwriter-ga

thank you for that info. Perhaps it was a French ship. tea service
just has To my wife on New years day 1878 Wm Reynolds.
It was made( the tea service) by Wilson Hall Miller and Co. Walingford
Conn.triple plated.Perhaps someone familiar with old silver has info
for me.
Nancy Brassert

I Am assuming a lot.
 the anchor is engraved above the message. The tea set is quite a
beautiful one so Im assuming it was purchased by someone withmeans.
The anchor and the ships name Lesperance on the tray is why i am
assuming he may have been the captain.

I THINK THE SHIP IN QUESTION WAS FRENCH UNDER A CAPTAIN "BODIN " OR
SIMILAR. IT EXPLORED THE WHOLE COAST OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA FROM SHARK
BAY RIGHT TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA. IN THE PROCESS, IT MET THE EXPEDITION OF
MATTHEW FLINDERS TRAVELLING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, EAST TO WEST.
THER CAPTAIN NAMED THE W.A. COASTAL TOWN "ESPERANCE" AND ALSO MANY
OTHER W.A. COASTAL FEATURES, INCLUDING CAPE LEEUWIN.

Can someone elaborate on the silver? Wilson (?) Hall Miller company.
Walingford Conn. 1878