Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1947-08-21

There has been intense interest
in recent weeks among the people
of Maryland, especially those inter-
ested in the States history, in the
Navy's willingness to return to
this State the sterling silver serv-
ice given by Marylanders to the
ship that bore the States name.
This service is now on display at
the Maryland historical Society in
Baltimore and is drawing numer-
Gus visitors daily.
So unique is the idea behind the
service and so elaborate the design
ing and craftsmanship that it is
without parallel in the history of
silversmithing, in this country at
least.
There are 48 pieces in all, which
contain 1877 numbered and many
u n u m b e r d scenes from the
States history portrayed in silver.
Each county is represented by a
special piece. Montgomery's is the
ice cream platter on which is de-
picted Scene lit Cabin John
Bridge, 118 Brookeville Academy,
119 Greenwood" and 120 "Clean
Drinking" The Cabin John Bridge
still stands intact. The Brookeville
Academy is now owned by the YES
try of St. Johns Church. "Green-
wood is the home of Mr.. and Mrs.
Wilbur F. Nash, Jr., and the old
"Clean Drinking" property is al
most lost in the modern develop
ment of the metropolitan section.
The service weighs over 1000
ounces and was ordered under the
administration of Governor War
field. 1t took over two years to COM
plete and was presented to the new
cruiser USS Maryland in 1906 =
later to be transferred to the bat.
tleship of the same name. The idea
for this service was conceived by
the commission appointed by Gov
ernor Warfeld.
The service was to be about
Maryland, made in Maryland, by
Maryland artisans, and paid foi
through donations and subscrip-
lions of the people of the entire
State. For that reason Samue
Kirk & Son, Inc, Americas oldes
silversmiths, established in Mary
land in 1915, was chosen to pro
duce the service. Under the super
vision of Mr.. Henry Child Kirk
Jr., numerous designs were submit
ted to the commission for approva
before the final scenes were chos
en-. The Rational Government il
symbolized by the eagle; the Stat
by the Great Seal of Maryland; tn,
Navy by pictures of the USS
Maryland; the Nautical by rop,
borders; the spirit of hospitalit.
for which Maryland is noted b!
overlooking horns of plenty; an,
each county by local scenes, inven
lions, flowers, trees, and vegetables
In 1888 book, "Maryland's Co
lonial Charm Portrayed in Silver,
was written about the service b,
Harry w. Hill, now Vice-Admira
and Commandant of the War Col
lege. 1t was Admiral Hills inter
est which initiated the idea of Sc
curing the service from Navy stor
age where it had been during tn
war years and having it put on dis
play. Senator George l.. Radcliffe
President of the Historical Society
took up personally with Governo
Lane and Secretary of the Nav
Forrestal the matter of placing tn
service on display in Marylan
/, where all may see it. Samuel Kir
& Son voluntarily cleaned tn
, service and put it in good order
and several of the old-timers VIII
! had actually worked on it original
ly were thrilled at seeing it agaii
and recalled incidents relating t
its creation.
Among-the pieces contained il
the service are huge punch bow
en- a plateau, with twelve cups eacl
bearing the name of Marylan,
naval hero, a magnificent center
piece, six candlesticks, covefe,
vegetable dishes, a water pitcher
compotes, trays, gravy boats, fist
and meat platters, and an after
dinner coffee service. 1t will be a
the Historical Society in Baltimor,
on indefinite loan.