Offered for sale by Caspars Place is a set of 4 coin silver open salts made by Kirk. The bowls are round with a beautiful decorative engraved band and sit on three classical style legs. The cellars are marked with S. KIRK & SON and 11 OZ. Based upon the details of the marks, I believe these cellars to have been made between 1846 and 1861. The mark 11 OZ specifically indicates coin silver made after 1830 with the silver percentage being 11/12, or 91.66%, silver content. In addition, we have tested the salt cellars, and they test as solid high content silver. Kirk was founded in 1815 when Philadelphia-trained Samuel Kirk finished his apprenticeship and, at the age of 22, opened a small store in Baltimore. Kirk underwent numerous name and partnership changes over the years, counting among its customers many of the countrys most prominent families. It operated under the name S. Kirk & Son from 1846 to 1861; from 1868 until 1896; and again from 1932 until 1979. The business remained largely in the hands of the Kirk family until 1979, when it was bought by The Stieff Company. The two preeminent Baltimore silver concerns combined management to form The Kirk Stieff Company while continuing production of the Kirk line. These open salts are engraved with an indecipherable monogram. They are in very good estate condition, although with the patina of old tarnish and fine scratches to be expected with age and use. The sets price reflects its condition. This set of coin silver open salts will make a lovely addition to any silver collection. The set combined weighs approximately 4.095 troy ounces. Each salt cellar is roughly 1.75 in diameter and 1.25 tall. At Caspar’s Place we pride ourselves on our offerings and represent each item to the best of our ability. Please bear in mind that we do our best to describe and photograph each item, but pre-owned items are often imperfect and show the effects of age and use. Note that the photographs are an integral part of the description. If you are purchasing multiple items within a single calendar day. Please request an invoice. Thank you for shopping with Caspars Place today! The item “Set of 4 coin silver open salts by S. Kirk & Son marked 11 oz” is in sale since Sunday, September 10, 2017. This item is in the category “Antiques\Silver\Coin Silver (.900)”. The seller is “shayhoward” and is located in Durham, North Carolina. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Maker: Kirk
- Composition: Coin Silver
- Type: Salt Cellar
- Age: 1850-1899
- Brand: S. Kirk & Son