S. KIRK STERLING SHEAF OF WHEAT SAUCE LADLE CIRCA 1824-1827
A nice size sterling sheaf of wheat sauce ladle with a fiddle shape handle made by Samuel Kirk with Baltimore assayer's and maker's marks and dominical letter of "C" for the years 1824-1827. [Assay marks and dominical letters were not used after 1830.] A very nice example of this hard to find pattern in great condition. The ladle measures 8 inches long; widest width of the handle is slightly under one inch; and the width of the bowl is 2 3/8 inches.
Twenty-two year old Samuel Kirk opened his small shop in Baltimore in August 1815, founding the oldest surviving silversmithing firm in the United States. He was born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, in 1793. Through both parents he was descended from English silversmiths of the 17th century: Joan Kirke, registered in Goldsmith's Hall, England 1696-1697 and Sir Francis Child, Lord Mayor of London in 1669 and founder of the Child Banking House.
At 17, Samuel was apprenticed to James Howell, silversmith of Philadelphia, and on completing his apprenticeship moved to Baltimore. In 1815, Samuel Kirk and John Smith entered into a partnership, which continued until 1820. In 1846, Samuel Kirk's son, Henry Child Kirk, became a partner and the firm name was changed to Samuel Kirk & Son.
PRICE: $325
