American Classic Repousse Sterling Silver Punch Bowl and Goblet Set
Hollowware (Punch Bowl and Stemware Set) · Likely S. Kirk & Sons or Gorham Manufacturing Co. - these firms were the premier American makers of heavy repousse and classic hollowware during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Pattern: Repousse Floral / Classic Plain - The bowl features a hand-chased floral repousse band around the base/mid-section, a pattern popularized by Samuel Kirk in 1828.
Type
Hollowware (Punch Bowl and Stemware Set)
Maker
Likely S. Kirk & Sons or Gorham Manufacturing Co. - these firms were the premier American makers of heavy repousse and classic hollowware during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) - High-quality American silver composition. The bowls of the goblets and the main punch bowl body are solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Punch Bowl: Approx. 10-12 inches diameter; Goblets: Approx. 5-6 inches tall. Estimated weight for the bowl alone: 40-60 troy ounces.
Description
A grand statement piece comprising a large sterling silver punch bowl and matching goblets. The bowl showcases the height of American silversmithing with a lush band of flora, contrasted by a sleek, mirror-polished upper section that reflects light beautifully.
Key Features
Deeply dimensional repousse work; heavy gauge silver construction; transition between ornate Victorian decoration and cleaner 20th-century forms.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) - High-quality American silver composition. The bowls of the goblets and the main punch bowl body are solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished upper rim with a deep floral repousse (embossed) band along the lower body. The goblets feature a simple, flared tulip-style rim with a polished finish and pedestal bases.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks include 'STERLING', a pattern number, and a manufacturer's mark (e.g., the Kirk 'S. Kirk & Son' stamp or Gorham's lion-anchor-G) on the underside of the base.
Construction Details
Spun and raised body with hand-chased or die-rolled repousse decoration. The handles (partially visible) appear to be cast and silver-soldered to the main body.
Functional Features
Wide, flared bowl designed for volume; pedestal bases for stability; goblets designed for serving chilled punch or wine.
Handle & Grip Details
The punch bowl features ornate cast sterling silver handles with scroll or foliate motifs, securely joined to the body with high-grade silver solder.
Craftsmanship Details
The repousse shows high-quality chasing with significant depth, indicating hand-finishing rather than a simple machine stamp. The symmetry of the goblet stems suggests expert lathe-spinning.
Authentication Indicators
Weight and thickness of the rims suggest solid sterling rather than plate; crispness of the repousse detail is typical of high-end American makers; aging is consistent with mid-century silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely Baltimore (Kirk) or Providence (Gorham). Heavy influence from English Regency and Victorian floral traditions.
Era & Period
Later Victorian to Early Mid-Century (c. 1890-1950). The style combines the Baltimore Repousse tradition with Mid-Century flared goblet silhouettes.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1950 based on the clean, flared lines of the goblets paired with the more traditional bowl.
Cultural Significance
Punch bowls were the centerpieces of 19th and 20th-century social gatherings, representing hospitality, wealth, and the culmination of a family's silver collection.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Visible light surface scratches (swirls) from cleaning; moderate tarnish in the crevices of the repousse; no major visible dents or rim distortions. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$3,000 - $6,000 USD for the set, depending on total weight, specific maker, and the number of goblets included.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap. Use high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) for the polished areas; use a soft-bristled horsehair brush to clean tarnish from the deep floral engravings.
Similar Pieces
Stieff Rose, Reed & Barton Francis I, or International Silver Royal Danish. Kirk is more floral, whereas Francis I is more fruit-heavy.
Interesting Facts
The 'Repousse' style is often called 'Baltimore Silver' because Samuel Kirk introduced it there, where it became a staple of high-society wedding gifts for over a century.