Bigelow, Kennard and Co Antique Sterling Silver Ice Cream Set, Boston, MA, c. 1870

This wonderful set is a lovely and complete ice cream service for twelve in its original box.  These pieces are entirely decorated by hand with floral and foliate designs descending from a bow on the handle. A large aesthetic movement spray of flowers in a heart-shaped cartouche adorns the blade of the server. Of ovoid spade shape, this serving piece is typical of ice cream servers of the 1860's.  Bigelow, Kennard & Company was the other great jeweler in Boston, at the time rivaling Shreve, Crump & Low.

Provenance: Collection of Dale E. Bennett
     Spencer Marks

Literature: "A History of Ice Cream and Its Servers" (Part Two of Two), in Silver Magazine, July/ August 2005, illustrated p. 28.

The server measures 10 inches long and the spoons measure 5.75 inches long. They are monogrammed 'CEK' in a cursive style and the set has a combined weight of 13.6 troy ounces. They are marked on the back 'BIGELOW, KENNARD & Co/925' and are in excellent condition. The leather box has some roughness to the outside and bears an original partial label from the company. The fitted interior is lined in a teal silk (some staining and tears) with the company name embossed in gold on a sash.