This pitcher has a seamed bulbous body with inset base. A deep V-spout with foliate decoration is set into the neck. Repousséd and chased landscapes and flowers surround the lower body. The flat conforming cover follows the upward curve of the spout and features repousséd and chased floral ornament. The cover is hinged to the top of the seamed, angular handle, which is decorated with applied stylized leaf grips and banded near the upper and lower joinings.

Wallace Silver:

Born in Connecticut in 1815, Robert Wallace was the son of Scottish immigrants, who also worked in silver. At 16, Wallace began apprenticing with spoon-maker Captain William Mix, a well-known craftsman who worked for the Meriden Britannia Co. Wallace opened his own workshop in 1833, focusing on silver spoons. (source “Collectors Weekly”)

Kirk-Stieff Silver:

The History of The Stieff Company. A single line notice in the November 2nd 1892 issue of The Jeweler’s Circular & Horological Review shows the origins of The Stieff Company at the death of another company.“The Klank Mfg. Co. made an assignment for the benefit of creditors to Charles C. Stieff. Klank had been in business only 10 months, when Charles C. Stieff was named as Receiver on Oct. 25 1892. Instead of liquidating the company, money was raised, partners brought in and on Dec. 2 1892 a new business was born. Records show the value of the Capital Stock at 50,000 dollars at the time of incorporation. Baltimore Silver and Cutlery wholesaler, Charles C. Stieff and partners were now in the silver manufacturing business. What would eventually be known as The Stieff Company was incorporated on December 2, 1892 under the name “The Florence Sterling Silver Company” and had a combined factory and showroom at 110 West Fayette Street in Baltimore.  The FLORENCE name was a temporary “holding name” until the company could be reorganized and re-opened as The Sterling Silver Manufacturing Company. Mr. Stieff was not a silversmith himself, but an entrepreneur who dealt in silver, cutlery and fine housewares like clocks and cut glass. His store, Charles C. Stieff & Co, located at 17 N. Liberty Street in downtown Baltimore displayed his retail and wholesale wares.