Description: Antique repousse sterling silver creamer S. Kirk & Son. A beautifully ornate cream pitcher in the renowned "Kirk Silver" or "Baltimore Style" handcrafted repousse design that Samuel Kirk is famous for. This floral pattern is a rare design and extremely hard to find. Measures approx 8" high, base measures approx 2 3/4" in diameter. Very nice condition with some light tarnish and slight surface scratches and initials on the front. Will be shipped US Priority Mail with insurance. This piece of history is part of a very small time period during the years 1846 to 1876 when the sons of Samuel Kirk joined the family business. This repousse style was brought to America by the Kirk's in the year 1846 and has been done by others ever since. This vintage piece is in excellent condition. Company Background:Baltimore's prominent silver manufacturing company, Samuel Kirk & Son, dates its beginning to 1815 when Philadelphia-trained Samuel Kirk finished his apprenticeship under James Howell and moved to Baltimore. Attracted by the prosperous port, Kirk opened his shop at 212 Market Street (later known as 106 Baltimore Street) with fellow silversmith, John Smith. After the partnership was dissolved in 1821, Samuel Kirk carried on the business alone until his eldest son, Henry Child Kirk, became a partner in 1846. During this early period Kirk introduced to America the repousse treatment for silverware. Repoussé means formed in relief and refers to a pattern which is beaten or pressed up from the reverse side. Kirk's technique was probably inspired by East India silversmiths, but his patterns were uniquely his own. Eventually he applied this technique to flatware as well as other pieces. The company prospered greatly. In 1820 Maria Hester Monroe, daughter of President James Monroe, was married in the White House. She chose Kirk Mayflower as her silverware pattern. During his 1824 tour of the United States, General Lafayette ordered a pair of goblets for his Baltimore host, David Williamson. Many of Maryland's prominent families, such as the Carrolls, the Ellicotts and the Ridgelys, were among Kirk's customers. Samuel Kirk’s son, Henry Child Kirk (1826-1914)started his apprenticeship with his father in 1842 and became a partner in the firm in 1846 at the age of 20. The flatware pattern REPOUSSÉ was introduced in this year as was the pattern MAYFLOWER. In 1861 and 1863, respectively, two more sons, Charles Douglas Kirk (1840-1880) and Edwin Clarence Kirk (1841-1876), were admitted as partners, changing the firm's name to Samuel Kirk & Sons. The Civil War and its aftermath created an economic slump in the silver business causing Charles and Edwin to become discouraged. When they withdrew from the partnership, the firm reverted to the name Samuel Kirk & Son.
Price: 2450 USD
Location: Ashtabula, Ohio
End Time: 2024-12-05T02:21:22.000Z
Shipping Cost: 28 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Kirk
Pattern: Repousse
Composition: Sterling Silver (.925)
Type: Creamer
Age: 1850-1899
