Arthur Stone Arts & Crafts Sterling Silver Decorated Large Compote, Gardner, MA, 1906-12

Of the numerous examples of Arthur Stone silver we have had the pleasure of selling over the years, this is only the second time we've had this large compote form. According to the Arthur Stone archives, the form was introduced in August of 1905 as 'Ford Compote Special 10.'(1)

This magnificent example has a shallow bowl with an applied wire around its outer rim and is raised on a conical, pedestal base with applied, circular foot with chased lines. As for the chased decoration, the placement of the flowers, stems, leaves and continuous line decoration are exquisitely executed. Two different flowers are used in alternating fashion to create the 12 scenes. The flowers appear to be iris and bluebell.

This stunning compote measures 10 inches in diameter by 7 inches tall and weighs 33.65 troy ounces. It is marked underneath with Stone's trademark, 'STERLING', and 'T' for craftsman Herbert Taylor. The compote is in excellent condition.

Arthur J. Stone ran the preeminent arts & crafts silver shop in New England, possibly the country. Items were hand made using traditional silversmithing techniques. An innovator, Stone let the other masters who worked for him sign the items they made. This compote was raised by Herbert Taylor, Stone's 'right hand man' and possibly the most accomplished silversmith who worked for Stone. Taylor was one of only eight silversmiths to win the award of 'Medalist', the highest honor for craft bestowed by the Society of Arts & Crafts, Boston. (Stone was the first silversmith to win the award.)

Endnotes:

1. Arthur J. Stone Papers, Archives of American Art, Box 2, "Working drawings and templates."