S. Kirk & Son Inc. Sterling Silver Individual Nut or Nut Bowl No. 175
Hollowware (Small Bowl/Nut Bowl) · S. Kirk & Son Inc. of Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1815 by Samuel Kirk, it is the oldest silversmithing firm in America. The company is world-renowned for introducing the 'repose' technique to the United States and maintaining a reputation for high-quality American silver craftsmanship until it was acquired by Stieff in 1979.
Pattern: Pattern No. 175. This is a plain, undecorated 'Plain' or 'Classic' line often produced by Kirk to complement their more ornate dinnerware patterns.
Type
Hollowware (Small Bowl/Nut Bowl)
Maker
S. Kirk & Son Inc. of Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1815 by Samuel Kirk, it is the oldest silversmithing firm in America. The company is world-renowned for introducing the 'repose' technique to the United States and maintaining a reputation for high-quality American silver craftsmanship until it was acquired by Stieff in 1979.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver composition with no base metals; 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper alloy.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 3.5 to 4 inches; height of approximately 1.5 inches. Weight is likely between 60 to 90 grams (approx. 2-3 troy ounces) given its size as an individual serving bowl.
Description
An elegant and versatile sterling silver nut bowl by the historic American firm S. Kirk & Son Inc. This bowl showcases the 'quiet' side of Kirk’s production, moving away from their famous floral chased work toward a luminous, unadorned surface that emphasizes the quality of the silver itself. With a gently flared body and a sturdy low-profile foot, this piece serves as both a functional catering item and a sophisticated accent for a modern table setting.
Key Features
The 'S. KIRK & SON INC.' maker's mark; the specific model number '175'; the absence of floral ornamentation which is rare for Kirk; and the high-polish finish.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver composition with no base metals; 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper alloy.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish finish. The design is minimalist and undecorated, featuring a rolled rim and a simple stepped circular foot. It reflects the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic toward clean lines rather than the ornate Repoussé Kirk is typically associated with.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'S. KIRK & SON INC.' in serif block letters. Below this is the 'STERLING' fineness mark and the numerical catalog/pattern number '175'. The use of 'INC.' helps date the piece to the company's mid-20th-century corporate structure.
Construction Details
Machine-spun from a sheet of sterling silver. The foot is likely a separate piece that has been soldered to the main body. The rim is rolled for structural rigidity and comfort during handling.
Functional Features
Designed as an individual nut bowl or candy dish for formal dining. It features a stable pedestal base to prevent tipping and a flared rim for easy access to contents.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; this is a handle-less bowl design.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent industrial craftsmanship. The spinning is uniform with no visible thin spots, and the solder line at the base is virtually invisible, demonstrating the high factory standards of Kirk's Baltimore workshop.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are crisp and consistent with known Kirk stamps from the 20th century. The natural patina in the crevices of the foot and the authentic wear patterns on the interior base confirm its age and material authenticity.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Baltimore has a unique silver-making tradition, and Kirk was its primary pioneer, known for high production standards and distinct regional styles.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1932-1970). This piece reflects the transition from traditional Victorian ornamentation to the functionalism of the Mid-Century period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The 'INC.' designation was used after the firm incorporated in 1924, and the sans-serif '175' stamp and clean design suggest a post-WWII manufacturing date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American tradition of 'Individual Services.' In mid-century formal dining, guests were often provided their own salt cellars and nut bowls, a peak era of etiquette that has since transitioned to communal serving.
Condition Notes
Very Good Condition. The interior shows light 'spider-web' surface scratching consistent with moderate use and cleaning. There are no visible deep gouges, dings, or repairs. The base remains flat without wobble.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $125.00 USD. Value is based primarily on silver weight and the prestige of the Kirk name, though plain pieces generally fetch less than Kirk’s famous Repoussé work.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's using a soft cellulose sponge. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the metal’s character. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Often compared to Gorham's 'Puritan' line or Reed & Barton's 'Francis I' nut bowls (though the latter are much more decorative). It is less expensive and more modern-looking than the 19th-century S. Kirk & Son '11-oz' marks.
Interesting Facts
While Samuel Kirk is famous for the 'Baltimore Rose' Repoussé style, the company produced these minimalist 'Pattern 175' pieces so they wouldn't clash with a customer's ornate flatware, providing a balanced look on a formal table.