Jacobi & Jenkins Maryland Rose Pattern Sterling Silver Salt or Pepper Shaker
Hollowware (Condiment Shaker) · A. Jacobi & Co. (later Jacobi & Jenkins) of Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1879, the firm was renowned for high-quality repoussé silver, rivaling the famous Samuel Kirk & Son in the Chesapeake region.
Pattern: Maryland Rose (Repoussé style). This pattern features dense, multi-floral motifs including roses, daisies, and foliage. The style was introduced in the late 19th century and became the signature 'Baltimore Silver' look.
Type
Hollowware (Condiment Shaker)
Maker
A. Jacobi & Co. (later Jacobi & Jenkins) of Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1879, the firm was renowned for high-quality repoussé silver, rivaling the famous Samuel Kirk & Son in the Chesapeake region.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout. Estimated weight is approximately 60-80 grams given the small form and hollow construction.
Dimensions
Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 inches in height and 1.25 inches in diameter at the base. Weight likely between 2.0 and 2.5 troy ounces.
Description
A masterpiece of Baltimore repoussé, this sterling silver shaker showcases the lush floral artistry that defined Maryland silversmithing in the late 19th century. The dense canopy of hand-wrought roses and foliage wraps around a slender, elegant form, creating a shimmering play of light and shadow. As a piece of 'Baltimore Silver,' it stands as a testament to the specialized hand-craftsmanship of A. Jacobi & Co., a firm that competed directly with the legendary Kirk and Stieff families.
Key Features
Dense floral repoussé, Baltimore Monument hallmark, A. Jacobi & Co. maker's mark, and high-relief hand-chasing.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout. Estimated weight is approximately 60-80 grams given the small form and hollow construction.
Finish & Decoration
Extensive hand-chased repoussé decoration covering the entire body and cap. The design features high-relief floral motifs (Baltimore Rose style) with an antiqued/oxidized finish in the crevices to highlight detail. The base and cap rim feature gadroon/beaded borders.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible stamps on the underside: A Monument mark (Baltimore Battle Monument), 'STERLING', and 'A. JACOBI & CO.' The monument mark is the classic symbol for Baltimore-manufactured silver.
Construction Details
Raised and chased hollowware. The body was likely formed from a silver sheet, with the intricate floral patterns hammered out from the inside (repoussé) and finished from the outside (chasing). The cap is friction-fit or threaded.
Functional Features
Removable perforated cap for dispensing fine granular salt or ground pepper. The top is surmounted by a decorative cast finial resembling a rosebud or acorn.
Handle & Grip Details
None (not applicable for this form), though the textured repoussé surface provides a natural non-slip grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior hand-chasing. The 'A. Jacobi' pieces are often noted for having slightly finer detail and higher relief than mass-produced pieces from the later 20th century. The symmetry of the base gadrooning indicates high-level workshop skill.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are consistent with late 19th-century Baltimore production. Construction shows genuine hand-chasing rather than modern casting, evidenced by the sharpness of the internal floral impressions.
Origin & Manufacturing
Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Baltimore was a unique center for silversmithing, famous for maintaining hand-chasing traditions longer than the industrialized factories in the Northeast.
Era & Period
Victorian/Gilded Age (specifically the Late 19th Century Baltimore Style). It reflects the American preference for highly ornate, 'more-is-more' aesthetics during the 1880s-1890s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1879-1894. The 'A. Jacobi & Co.' mark predates the 1894 renaming to 'Jacobi & Jenkins'.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of Gilded Age dining culture where every condiment required its own specialized, ornate vessel to demonstrate the host's wealth and refinement.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. The chasing remains crisp without significant 'polishing out' of details. Minor tarnish in the deep recesses is appropriate for its age. No visible major dents or splits in the silver body.
Value Estimate
Range of $150–$300 USD for a single shaker. A matched pair would command $400–$650 depending on the specific collector's market in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft brush and mild soapy water to remove debris from crevices. Use a high-quality silver cream (like Wright's) and a soft cotton cloth. Avoid machine polishing which can dull the hand-chased details.
Similar Pieces
Samuel Kirk & Son 'Repoussé' shakers (often heavier), Stieff 'Rose' shakers (often more standardized/machine-assisted in later years), and Schofield Baltimore Rose pieces.
Interesting Facts
Baltimore was the only major silver center in America to develop and maintain a specific regional style of repoussé that remained popular for over a century. A. Jacobi was a significant part of this tradition before the firm dissolved in the early 20th century.