This pitcher and waiter are absolutely stunning, with exceptionally repousséd and chased flowers along with branches with leaves spreading in all directions against a textured background. This elaborate design is also used as the border for the three-footed waiter. Elaborately engraved, artistic, intertwined 'CC' monograms decorate the circular reserves on the pitcher and waiter. Engraved underneath each piece is:



Cora Crowninshield

from

Caspar Crowninshield

1879



On February 25, 1879, Cora Crowninshield (1845-1919) married Charles Boyden (1840-1881). The Crowninshields were one of Boston's wealthiest families. Her sister, Frances(Fanny), married John Quincy Adams, grandson of President John Quincy Adams. Her brother and giver of this gift was Caspar Crowninshield (1837-1897), see here.

(Interestingly, Charles & Cora lived at 267 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, which they later sold to William Haden Ames. Years ago, we had a large selection of Ames's silver - he and his wife were early supporters of the Boston Society of Arts & Crafts.)



In the late 1870s, Kennard and Jenks produced exceptional silver with a variety of unique designs. About 1880, Gorham hired designer Lewis Jenks and then purchased the firm. Gorham continued some of his designs for a very brief period.



This stunning set is marked with the Kennard & Jenks trademark, 'K&J/ STERLING/ BOSTON.' The pitcher is also stamped with the model number '402.' The waiter measures 10 inches in diameter, and the pitcher is 8.5 inches tall. They have a combined weight of 45.90 troy ounces and are in excellent antique condition with very crisp decoration and a bit of scratching and wear to the stand from use.