This sculptural centerpiece designed by John C. Moore for Tiffany, Young & Ellis was gifted to businessman Watts Sherman by his colleagues at the Albany (New York) City Bank in honor of his retirement in 1851. The base of the centerpiece is inscribed “The Albany City Bank To Watts Sherman 1851.” The centerpiece was displayed to great acclaim at the New York Crystal Palace exhibition in 1853–54, America’s first world’s fair. Sherman was a member of the fair’s Board of Directors. The centerpiece depicts four classical figures representing the four elements (earth, wind, air, fire) encircling a column supporting a large, shallow bowl. Previously believed to be composed of cast silver and silvered bronze components, the centerpiece was made from solid silver, as noted in an illustrated Crystal Palace catalogue. The silvered brass liner pan was added later. The catalogue noted further that Tiffany, Young & Ellis produced a solid bronze version of the centerpiece the same year, likely as a preliminary for casting the silver version. The bronze version is now in a private collection. When Sherman’s son William Watts Sherman married Annie Wetmore of Newport, the piece became a treasured heirloom that symbolized the high status of both families. Today the centerpiece is displayed in the dining room of the Wetmore family’s Newport mansion, Chateau-sur-Mer.