A. Jacobi & Co. Repoussé Floral Sterling Silver Sugar Shaker and Footed Open Salt
Hollowware (Tableware) - Sugar Caster/Shaker and Master Open Salt · A. Jacobi & Co. (Albert Jacobi), Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1879, Jacobi was a prominent member of the Maryland silver community, known for high-quality Baltimore-style repoussé work alongside competitors like S. Kirk & Son.
Pattern: Baltimore Rose / Floral Repoussé. Introduced in the late 19th century, this style of all-over floral decoration is synonymous with Baltimore silversmithing traditions.
Type
Hollowware (Tableware) - Sugar Caster/Shaker and Master Open Salt
Maker
A. Jacobi & Co. (Albert Jacobi), Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1879, Jacobi was a prominent member of the Maryland silver community, known for high-quality Baltimore-style repoussé work alongside competitors like S. Kirk & Son.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout; the shaker features a removable pierced top.
Dimensions
Shaker: approx. 6-7 inches height; Salt: 1.5 inches height by 2.5 inches diameter. Estimated combined weight: 150-200 grams.
Description
Exquisite examples of American repoussé silver, these pieces showcase the 'Baltimore Rose' aesthetic. The tall sugar shaker is densely packed with relief-carved flora, standing on a circular foot. The accompanying open salt is a globular bowl supported by three elegant shell-motif feet. The set represents the pinnacle of Victorian dining opulence, where even utilitarian spices were housed in silver fine art.
Key Features
High-relief chasing that covers nearly 100% of the visual surface; distinct Baltimore-style 'skipping' in the background texture; Jacobi's rare tower/castle hallmark; gadrooned base on the shaker.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout; the shaker features a removable pierced top.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing featuring dense floral motifs (roses, daisies, and foliage). The shaker has a bright-cut pierced lid with a bud-shaped finial and gadrooned borders. The salt features beaded rims and cast acanthus-leaf trifid feet.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The base is stamped with 'STERLING' and the maker's mark 'A. JACOBI & CO.' in a serif font. There is also a small pictorial mark (likely a castle or tower) which was used by Jacobi as an authentication or workshop stamp.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and hand-chased. The floral patterns are achieved through repoussé (hammering from the inside) and chasing (detailing from the outside). Feet on the salt are cast and hand-soldered.
Functional Features
The shaker includes a friction-fit removable lid with decorative perforations for dispensing sugar or spices. The salt is an open vessel designed for use with a small salt spoon.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles. The shaker features a tapered cylindrical body providing a natural grip; the lid has a small pointed finial for easy removal.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior hand-chasing. The depth of the relief work indicates a master chaser's hand. The symmetry of the gadrooning and the precision of the lid's piercing indicate high-end boutique workshop standards.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep hallmarks consistent with late 19th-century Baltimore strikes. The weight is appropriate for solid sterling, and the internal dimpling from the repoussé process confirms hand-work rather than machine casting.
Origin & Manufacturing
Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Baltimore was a unique hub for hand-chased silver, maintaining manual techniques longer than the industrial manufacturers in Rhode Island or New York.
Era & Period
Victorian / Gilded Age (circa 1880-1900). Stylistically reflects the 'Baltimore Style' which drew from Rococo Revival influences popular in American high society during this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1895. The hallmark style and the peak of Jacobi's independent output align with the late 19th-century demand for ornate floral tableware.
Cultural Significance
Baltimore repoussé silver was the 'status symbol' of the American South and Mid-Atlantic. It was often given as wedding gifts to prominent families and remains a distinct chapter in American craft history.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. The chasing remains crisp without significant 'over-polishing' wear. No visible cracks in the piercing. Some minor tarnish in deep recesses (patina) which is desirable to highlight the relief. The salt interior shows minor silver oxidation typical for contact with salt.
Value Estimate
$400 - $700 for the pair. Jacobi pieces command a premium over more common makers like Kirk. Value is driven by the height of the shaker and the detail of the chasing.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash in warm, soapy water. Use a high-quality cream polish and a soft horsehair brush to reach into the floral recesses. Avoid 'silver dips' which strip the desirable dark patina from the low points of the flowers.
Similar Pieces
S. Kirk & Son 'Repoussé' pattern casters; Stieff 'Rose' pattern salts. Jacobi pieces are generally considered to have slightly deeper, more 'crisp' chasing than mass-produced later Kirk pieces.
Interesting Facts
A. Jacobi & Co. pieces are significantly rarer than those of S. Kirk & Son or Stieff, making them highly sought after by Baltimore silver specialists. The 'tower' hallmark is a trademark of their specific workshop.