Crystal with Repoussé Silver Lid

Description

• Silver Lid & Collar: The spherical, hinged sterling silver lid features high-relief Baltimore Repoussé chasing, characterized by dense, overlapping floral motifs including cabbage roses, daisies, and scrolling acanthus leaves set against a finely stippled background. Side panels incorporate diapered lattice work, while the circular top cartouche remains plain with delicate framing scrolls. The collar is stamped on the hinge side with JACOBI & JENKINS, the firm’s lighthouse maker’s mark, and STERLING.
• Glass Body: The reservoir is made of heavy, clear, cut crystal featuring a four-lobed, ribbed melon shape with wide vertical flutes. The underside is finished with a hand-cut, multi-point starburst (hobstar/radial star) base.

Date of Manufacture

• Circa 1894–1908

The specific manufacturer’s stamp dates the production of this inkwell directly to the 14-year period when the firm operated under the Jacobi & Jenkins partnership name.

Company History

Jacobi & Jenkins was a premier Baltimore silversmithing firm celebrated for producing intricate, hand-chased repoussé silver, competing directly with firms like Samuel Kirk & Son and Stieff:

• 1879–1890: Founded in Baltimore, Maryland, by Abraham Jacobi as A. Jacobi.
• 1890–1894: Operated briefly under the name Jacobi & Co.
• 1894–1908: Formed the partnership with the Jenkins family, trading as Jacobi & Jenkins. During this era, the firm produced hollowware, desk accessories, and flatware marked with their signature lighthouse hallmark.
• 1908–c. 1915: Reorganized as Jenkins & Jenkins, Inc. after Jacobi left the firm, continuing until operations ceased around 1915.