S. Kirk & Son 'Etruscan' ('Landscape' or 'Castle') Pattern 4-piece Coffee or Tea Service, c. 1855-61

This lovely service is comprised of a coffee or teapot, creamer, covered sugar, and waste bowl. It is densely ornamented with varying romantic scenes based on classical Italianate buildings, bridges, trees, and foliage on a stippled background. The waste bowl even has a donkey pulling a cart. Complimentary hand-engraved foliage decorates the spout and handles. Each piece is wonderfully engraved with the arms of Howard impaling Winder (see provenance below).

Usually referred to as the 'Landscape' or 'Castle' pattern today, this pattern was called 'Etruscan' by Kirk when it was produced. While we think of it as romantic, the Italianate scenes were thought of as classical when this service was made.

Samuel Kirk reintroduced this repousséd style of silver c. 1840 after a long period of being out of style. His creations became so popular that repousséd silver such as this became known as 'Maryland Silver' during the 19th century - even Tiffany's costing books during the late 19th-century record silver made in the 'Maryland' style.

Provenance: Each piece bears the full heraldic achievement of Howard impaling Winder for Charles R. Howard and Mary Catherine Winder married 11 July 1855 in Northampton, VA. Charles Howard, from an important Maryland family, was the grandson of Francis Scott Key, author of the Star-Spangled Banner.

This rare Etruscan pattern service is marked underneath 'S. KIRK & SON/ 11 OZ'. The height of the coffee pot is 11 inches. The total weight is 81.55 troy ounces, and it is in excellent, crisp antique condition.