Peter Krider Sterling Repousse Hot Water Kettle on Stand with Scenic Decoration, c. 1870's

Big, bold and romantic. This large kettle is one of the finest Krider pieces we've had the privilege to sell. Of tapering octagonal form, each panel features individual romantically inspired scenic landscapes which include castle ruins and exotic palaces. The top and bottom of each panel feature floral repoussé work with a stippled background, framing the landscape scenes.

The massive base is cast to resemble a large grape vine, with clusters of grapes on the knees of the legs and leaves and grapes forming the feet. Both the handle (with ivory insulators) and the spout are designed in a similar fashion with grape leaves and tendrils cast and applied. The finial on the hinged lid is a large cast bunch of grapes with leaves.

On the panel opposite the spout, a cartouche is engraved with a crest - a ship sailing in heavy seas.

Krider was one of the finest silversmiths working in Philadelphia during the 19th century. After serving an apprenticeship with the noted Philadelphia firm of R. & W. Wilson, he work for the important Boston silversmith Obadiah Rich. Returning to Philadelphia, he started his own firm in the early 1850's. His shop excelled at casting, and was one of the largest medal making firms in the country - commissioned to make award medals for the Centennial Exposition in 1876 and others. They produced exceptional pieces (like this) which can be found in many museum collections.

This kettle is marked underneath with Peter Krider's trademark, 'STERLING' and 'P.L. KRIDER CO.' It measures 13.5 inches high, 9.5 inches wide (from handle to spout) and weighs a very impressive 79.50 troy ounces (some sets weigh less than that). It is in excellent condition.