Racine Silver Plate Company was located on the northeast corner of Second and Main Streets in Racine ,Wisconsin. Then came the fire of May 5,1882, that destroyed seven square blocks of Downtown Racine. Attempts were made to move Racine Silver Plates’ materials to a safe uptown location, but the fire spread too rapidly. In the end, all that remained of the business was a few walls, smokestack and piles of melted silver. The company wasn’t rebuilt in Racine. The city of Rockford, Ill. wooed its owners to rebuild there and the name was changed to "Rockford Silver Plate Co," Bought in 1925 by Raymond Sheets who changed the name to "Sheets / Rockford Silver Plate Co. they remained in business until 1956.

This wonderful ice water lidded pitcher, circa 1890-1910 is an excellent example of their quality craftsmanship. Heavy silver plated metal was used throughout the piece, which included the double-wall construction to help keep the cold inside. Tasteful details include the stylish handle with embossed floral and geometric designs, floral swag on the spout, basket-shaped finial on the hinged lid and large engraved floral and grasses decoration on both sides of the pitcher. The pitcher measures 12 1/4" in height to top of the finial, 10" from spout-to-handle and 6 1/2" across the base. It is stamped with a small circular stamp "Rockford - Silver P Co - Quadruple - 400" and the balance scale logo. The silver plate is in excellent condition with no cracks, dents or repairs and retains lovely original patina. It can be polished if so desired.