Posted 11 years ago
toracat
(728 items)
Hi! The purple felt says Pearson & Crain (I think) jewelers 1329 F Street N. W. Washington D C or B C. It is hard to read, and may not be original container? These are in great condition I have a written note that says it is a wedding present It is hard to read but looks like 1935? to me. They have sterling silver bands on all of them and some are (besides sterling band) are marked silver plated on rest of part. Mother of pearl handles, I think. I got a really good price on this set! I really like it! Thanks for looking!! I now will look for more pieces at auctions and Ebay! of course if not too much $$.! Thanks for looking!!
Magnificent service you have! From the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery, and the Luce Foundation Center for American Art, we have the following on your jeweler.
Darrell Clayton Crain was an engraver and jeweler with R. Harris and Company, a Washington, D.C., firm that primarily made jewelry and trophies. In 1924, he and a partner started their own firm in D.C., Pearson & Crain, then located at 1329 F Street, N.W. Over the course of his career, Crain designed inaugural medals for Presidents Woodrow Wilson (1917), Warren G. Harding (1921), and Calvin Coolidge (1925), as well as a medal commemorating Charles Lindbergh's historic solo flight from New York to Paris in 1927.
http://americanart.si.edu/luce/artist.cfm?key=344&artistmedia=0&object=226502&subkey=114720
This set is remarkable for intact plating and for serving pieces!!! Quite exceptionally fine condition, and very unusual to find the serving pieces. I think that the large fork is perhaps for serving cold beef. The other serving pieces could serve a number of uses, so can't suggest a dedicated function.
I am marveling at the serving pieces. Ah! As for the plating, it is so very often damaged, and often severely damaged. Why, I don't know. But I would use them very gently, just in case. Truly a wonderful find!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landers,_Frary_%26_Clark
The following is a very interesting article.
http://www.toaster.org/landers.html
Thanks to both of you! and miKKo wow what a long great history this Company had! I really love this set now and will watch for more pieces! I will watch for early percolator also. I saw the beautiful one BELLIN68, Sean has! I think Sean, yes. That art deco percolator with wood handles is awesome!