American Federal Silver sugar bowl and creamer. 1st item: Sugar bowl marked W. Ball in rectangle for William Ball, Philadelphia, b. 1729-d. 1810, or William Ball Jr. , Baltimore, Maryland, b. 1763-d. 1815. Urn form with cover having a knob shaped finial, beaded edges, central engraved ribbon and garland cartouche with conjoined script monogram MM, circular flared pedestal terminating in a square plinth. 10"h. 2nd item: Creamer of nearly identical form with beaded edges, reeded strap handle, circular flared pedestal and square plinth, monogrammed MM. No maker's mark. 6 7/8"H. 20.83 oz troy combined weight. Both pieces American, circa 1800. 3rd item: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston exhibit catalog, SOUTHERN SILVER, copyright 1968. Note: a William Ball, Baltimore cream jug of similar form (not this piece) is illustrated #G-2-A. Provenance: Private Nashville collection. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com.)