Kalo Arts & Crafts Sterling Silver Cocktail Service, Chicago, IL, c. 1917-50

This is an exceptional cocktail service with stunning presence. The large cocktail shaker consists of a cap, strainer and body. The cap, which is also used as a measure, has four applied vertical decorative lines which assist in handling the cap.

The eight glasses, shaker and tray are all beautifully engraved with an 'S' monogram.

The glasses have wide, slightly domed bases, tall, slender stems and attached cups.

Completing the service is a magnificent tray. It is a substantial piece of silver with a raised edge. Hand-raising such an item with its flat surfaces on different planes is quite an accomplishment and would have required exceptional skill to execute. Underneath the edge is an applied thick band of silver for handling and reinforcing the tray.

Individually, these pieces are quite rare and it is incredible to find such a complete service together of this quality and condition.

The Kalo Shop is known for its hammered surfaces and creative, forward looking arts & crafts designs. It was started by Clara Barck Welles who was 'known for her fair employment practices and for giving opportunities to women to become metalsmiths'.(1)

This extraordinary service is marked 'STERLING/ HAND WROUGHT/ AT/ THE KALO SHOP' on the shaker, tray and 4 glasses. The other 4 glasses are marked 'STERLING/ KALO'. All cups are also marked '1X'. The tray is also marked 'X42' and the shaker ''69L/ 3 PINTS'. The cocktail shaker measures 11 inches high and the tray measures 25 inches long by 9.75 inches wide. The total weight of the service is 126.45 troy ounces and it is in excellent antique condition.

Endnote:

1. Sharon S. Darling, Chicago Metalsmiths, (Chicago: Chicago Historical Society, 1977), p. 48.