Form: Tea Set
Makers Mark: Frank W. Smith Silver Co.
Country of Origin: United States
Other Marks 3607
Decoration: The tray on which these cups and saucers are served displays a leaf-design. The center of the tray is pushed inward, molded to form the veins of a broad leaf. The lip of the tray has been sectioned to form petal-like patterns. The cups come paired with saucers, a single baby's cup is included as well, and a sugar bowl and creamer join them.
Style: Early 20th C.
Construction: Cast Silver
Period: C. 1900
Provenance: New Jersey Estate
Size: H. 4.0x W. 17.0x D. 12.0"
Weight: 3.8lbs
Condition: No damage has been done to this tea set, no dings or dents. Meta: silver, tea, flora
History: In 1887 Frank W. Smith began manufacturing silverware in Gardner and within a few years the Frank W. Smith Silver Company had one of the finest equipped factories in the country for the manufacture of high grade sterling silverware, both by machine and by hand. The company continued operations until 1958. However, during the course of its history the company’s silver services became the possession of notable individuals such as Princess Grace of Monaco and Queen Elizabeth of England. Also, Smith silver groupings were purchased, on occasion, for United States naval vessels, gifts from the states or communities for which they were named.One of the superintendents and designers for the Smith Silver Company was Arthur J. Stone who was hired in 1887. In 1901 Stone started his own silver shop in Gardner which at one point would employ twelve apprentices and craftsmen. That same year he joined the Arts and Crafts Society of Boston. At a time when manufactured silver was reflecting the ornate designs of the Victorian Age, this organization advocated a return to simpler forms.Arthur Stone remained in business for thirty-six years, during which time he became known as “The Dean of American Silversmiths.” His works included hand wrought silver products such as toys, bowls, trophies, tankards, tea sets, table silver in all forms, altar sets for churches and often ecclesiastical pieces. A gold monstrance for the Church of the Advent in Boston is a fine example of this craftsmanship. Today, beyond private ownership, Arthur Stone’s workmanship can be found in New York City’s Metropolitan Museum and the Worcester Museum of Fine Arts among many public institutions.After 36 years the shop was purchased by Henry E. Heywood who called the company Stone Associates and continued with the same craftsmen until 1957 when the shop closed.