SOLD 1870's Exceptional Pittsburgh Historical Coffee Set, Wilcox Silver Plate

Antiques : Silver Plate

 

An exemplary set from a prominent Pittsburgh family. We were so pleased to have been able to acquire such a fine museum quality artifact. This coffee and tea set date to the 1870's. Rare and unusual due to the design and it being a complete set. Set contains one coffee urn, a coffee or hot water pot, a tea pot, a sugar bowl, a creamer, a waste bowl and a butter dish. The original tray is also present. Quite extraordinary.

Given as a presentation gift, the front of the coffee urn is engraved in German to J. C. Klein of the Klein Logan and Co. on September 20, 1877. The Klein Logan and Company manufactured miners tools and the like starting in 1856. It was a well known prominent family business started by a German immigrant who made his journey to the United States in the 1840's. He started his apprenticeship as a locksmith and a few years later, started his own company manufacturing heavy hammers, sledges, picks, bars, mining and railroad track tools. By 1868, the company's net worth was 250,000.00. The company was located in Pittsburgh's South Side District, taking up almost the entire block of 13th Street.

The detailed band around the lower edge is very ornate with birds, fountains, and leaves. The exquisite details such as the blades of grass and feathers on the birds are unbelievable to the eye.

The rare coffee urn stands over 16" high. It features smooth ivory handles for the tap, although one has gone missing. The burner is also not present.

The hot water pot or coffee pot measures 9 1/2" high and the slightly smaller tea pot measures 8 1/2". The sugar bowl measures 7 1/2" and the creamer measures 5 1/4", but is missing it's lid. The waste bowl measures 4 1/4" tall and the butter dish measures 2 1/2" tall. The tray measures 29" by 18".

This set has been examined by a local appraiser as well as several silversmiths, all commenting on the rarity of the complete set.

There are a few condition areas to address. It looks as if the silver plate is worn in places and would need to be replated by a highly skilled silversmith, if desired. Please note that only a qualifies silversmith should attempt any replating issues on this historic set. We have attempted to clean the silver and it was coming clean, but would be more sensible to have the replating done.

Shipping and insurance is included in sale price, guaranteeing a safe arrival to your home.

Item ID: JJS00805