Samuel Kirk & Son 11oz Antique Sterling Silver Monteith, Baltimore, 1868-90

A monteith is a bowl originally intended to be filled with water and ice, with a rim which holds glasses in order to chill them. (Today, they have a much wider variety of uses!) It is a very uncommon form in American silver. This is a stunning example by the famous firm of S. Kirk & Son from Baltimore.

The wide foot and pedestal are beautifully repousséd with flowing foliate and floral decoration against a stippled background. The neck of the pedestal is decorated with lovely acanthus leaves. The bowl is also beautifully repousséd in the same style as the base with striking repoussé foliage and hand-chased details.
The scalloped rim is detachable so the bowl can be used as a centerpiece bowl with or without the monteith rim.

This magnificent monteith is marked underneath 'S. Kirk & Son/ 11OZ'. It measures 10.25 inches wide by 8.75 inches high and weighs 39 troy ounces. Aside from a hardly noticeable monogram removal to the reserve, the monteith is in excellent condition with nice crisp details.