Samuel Kirk Pair of 10.15 Silver Antique Goblets, Baltimore, MD, 1828-46

These rare goblets are fine and early examples from the famous Baltimore shop of Samuel Kirk.

Extremely fine repoussé and engraving decorates the main bodies. A row of leaves define the bases of the cups underneath stunning garlands of flowers and foliage.The stepped, pedestal bases are decorated on the lower part of the neck with repousséd leaves.

There are two sets of engravings on each of the goblets. One reads 'When the curtain was about to be raised he forgot not his friends'. The other engraving is 'From James Mackubin to Thomas Franklin'. Thomas Franklin was a U.S. Navy Captain during the early 19th century and the grandfather of Admiral Winfield Scott Schley's wife, Annie Franklin. Mackubin was a relative of Thomas Franklin's first wife, Eliza MacKubin. The significance of the inscription is unknown but likely relates to Captain Thomas's naval career.

These rare goblets are marked along the outside rim of the foot 'S.KIRK. 10.15'. They measure 6 inches high and are in very good antique condition with a small split on one of the bases being professionally restored.

Provenance: Annie Franklin Schley, wife of Rear Admiral Winfield Scott Schley, by descent in the family.