Salver
Samuel Kirk & Son
(active 1846–1861, 1868–1896)
Samuel Kirk
(American, 1793–1872)
Henry Child Kirk, Sr.
(American, 1827–1914)
1880–90
Object PlaceBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Medium/TechniqueSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1.9 x 15.5 cm (3/4 x 6 1/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Abbott
Accession number63.1041
On View
Not on viewClassificationsSilver hollowware
Collections
Small but richly decorated salvers such as this were produced in Baltimore as early as the 1820s.1 This example displays a variety of decorative techniques in its flat-chased wreath of foliage, ringed with a diapered surface and repousséd and chased floral band and tooled rim. The diminutive ball-and-claw feet add to the eclectic mixture of styles. The salver may have served in a front hall as a receiver for calling cards.
This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.
