Lot 450

AN IMPORTANT SAMUEL KIRK 'ETRUSCAN' COIN SILVER PITCHER

Previous image preload Next image preload

AN IMPORTANT SAMUEL KIRK 'ETRUSCAN' COIN SILVER PITCHER

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000

Current Bid: $1,500

(1 Bid)

by Soulis Auctions
June 28, 2026 12:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
529 West Lone Jack-Lee’s Summit Rd
Lone Jack, MO, US 64070

Samuel Kirk (1793-1872)

Etruscan

1828

This outstanding example of Baltimore-Style silver by Samuel Kirk is not only a masterwork of repousse', but a noteworthy artifact of American silver history as well. Dating to 1828, this Etruscan pattern variation coin silver water pitcher exhibits a pronounced spout, ornate scroll handle, and bulbous form on flared circular foot. The body is masterfully decorated in a split-hemisphere composition with repousse and chased decoration of Chinoiserie ornament on one side with an exotic pagoda-style dome and architectural towers against a landscape of dense foliage. The other half transitions to a classical vignette depicting Greco-Roman architectural ruins with columns and crumbling arches. Both landscapes are framed by heavy rococo-revival floral, fruit, and foliate motifs with butterflies and birds. The spout and handle display flowers and fruit on a finely stippled ground. Found in outstanding condition with crisp detail, the pitcher's base retains an undisturbed deep blue, purple, and gold patina rarely, if ever, seen.

The historical notoriety comes form the Maryland law of between 1814 and 1830 when all silver produced or sold locally had to be officially tested for purity and stamped by an appointed city assayer, Baltimore is unique as the only city in the history of the United States to operate a mandatory, government-regulated hallmarking system resembling the British hallmark system. Samuel Kirk was based in Baltimore and this pitcher is a rare artifact from that period. Stamped with the maker's mark 'S Kirk' inside a rectangular cartouche alongside SK and the 11.0 purity mark, certifying the Baltimore quality standard of 91.7% pure silver, it further bears the official Baltimore Assay Office stamp featuring the Maryland coat of arms paired with the Dominical letter 'F.' During the year 1828, the Maryland coat of arms mark lacked the diagonal 'bend dexter' stripe. Historical records show the assay office temporarily removed the bend dexter from the stamp in 1828 before reintroducing a modified version in 1829. This brief stylistic departure, combined with the letter 'F', provides definitive proof of the year 1828.

This important piece of American silver was recently found in the home of a fifth generation descendant of Ann Eliza Cairns who, in 1835, inherited the 18th century colonial estate The Glass House Farm which originally stretched from roughly 35th to 42nd Streets along the Hudson River. The MS(?) monogram, stylistically of a later period, could be that of Ann Eliza Cairns' granddaughter Virginia Stuart Mackay Smith (1849-1936), or her great granddaughter Helen Stuart Mackay Smith (1882-1969).

Measures 11.5 x 8.5 x 6 inches with a total weight of 32.05 ozt.

Without proof of exemption, be aware that internet sales tax applies to all Internet transactions and local sales tax may apply to local pick-up transactions.

We happily provide seamless in-house packing and shipping services on nearly everything we sell.

Until further notice, we cannot offer international shipping in-house.

  • Provenance: Descended through a prominent New York family, previous owners of Glass House Farm, an 18th century home on the Hudson River,
  • Dimensions: Measures 11.5 x 8.5 x 6 inches with a total weight of 32.05 ozt.
  • Medium: Art Glass
  • Circa: 1828
  • Condition: Very good condition, noting two very shallow line-form dents that appear as, in one case, a very subtle and shallow 1/4 inch long crease underside of the bulbous portion just above the foot. The other is merely a hint of an indentation. No other damage, no repair, fine detail remains throughout with crisp chasing and engraving remaining on the high points and in the subtle decoration.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Other, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING: After verifying that payment has been made and or all funds have cleared, Dirk Soulis Antiques LLC DBA Soulis Auctions will, as a courtesy to the client, undertake the packing and shipping of most purchases. Large items, Furniture, International Shipments and items deemed excessively fragile by Soulis Auctions may require special handling by a third party. Soulis Auctions will coordinate with the buyer's chosen shipper in these instances and will endeavor to provide as much assistance as possible. The cost for shipping handled in-house starts at $16 per box and or the actual cost of wood crate construction, in addition to the cost of insurance and postage or carrier charges. The cost of crates range by size; the majority fall into the range of $50 to $150.

STORAGE AND CARE: All bidders agree that property left at Soulis Auctions storage facilities more than 30 days past the date of sale becomes the complete and total responsibility of the buyer. Soulis Auctions will in no way be responsible for the safety of said property, Soulis will not reimburse for any damage or loss incurred after the free 30 day storage option offered as a gesture to buyer. Any and all property passes from the care, custody and control of Soulis Auctions to seller on day 31.

LOADING AND DELIVERY - Any assistance provided by anyone associated with Soulis Auctions in loading and or delivery is offered as a courtesy and Soulis will in no way be responsible for damage or loss incurred in loading.

Soulis Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $99,999 $2,000
$100,000 + $10,000