Shreve & Co Sterling Silver 'XIV Century' Pattern Large Presentation Cup, San Francisco, CA, 1913

One of Shreve & Co's most famous designs is XIV Century. It is a stunning creation of arts & crafts with medieval inspired design elements. Made in both flatware and holloware, large items such as this are quite rare. An impressive three handled cup or vase, this presentation features a beautiful pedestal base and cup with a flaring, turned rim. The bottom edge of the base has an applied strap. The handles are striking with their wide and heavy gauge along with the medieval strap work terminals with rivets. The entire piece, including even the sides of the handles, is hand-hammered for a beautiful shimmering surface. Applied on the front is an enameled plaque of a yellow California poppy with an inlaid red enamel 'C' enclosing an inlaid black enamel 'BA'. The inscription below reads 

'PRESENTED

TO

A.E. EDWARDS

PRESIDENT

CALIFORNIA BANKERS' ASSOCIATION

SAN DIEGO

MAY 1913'.

According to The Los Angeles From the Mountains to the Sea, Vol 3 by John Steven McGroarty (American Historical Society, 1921, p. 683) Albert Ernest Edwards was '... prominent in the California Banker's Association, being elected member of its executive council in 1908, and in 1910 chairman of the executive council. In 1911 he was elected vice president and on May 12. 1912, was chosen president of the State Association'.

This wonderful piece of presentation silver is marked underneath with the 'SHREVE & CO/ STERLING/ SAN FRANCISCO/4.75 PINTS' along with the "'S' bell stamp 'S'" markings. It measures 14 inches high to the top of the handles, weighs 43.20 troy ounces and is in very good antique condition with wear to the original gilding on the interior.