posted 03-14-2014 12:18 PM            

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Samuel Kirk & Son, 1869
Samuel Kirk & Son Co. 1919

BALTIMORE is interesting in many things, things of especial interest to the jewelry trade of today, not only because there are firms here who have an unbroken line of trade and houses extending back more than 100 years, but because in the old days the city where Francis Scott Key wrote the immortal "Star-Spangled Banner" was often called upon to furnish the ancients with their jewels and gems and silver plate. Washington, the first President of this Republic, and Lafayette, the distinguished French general, received gifts, the work of Baltimore goldsmiths and silversmiths.

Therefore the city of the famous Canvasback duck, oyster, and other Maryland delicacies is likewise the gateway of the jewelry trade of the south, and it is rightfully so. Wholesale and retail jewelers here were never more prosperous than they are today. It is a genuine prosperity, brought about by a trade that has spent more money on jewelry during the past two years than ever before. The rich buy jewels as a natural thing, and as the poor have practically ceased to exist, and have become more or less "flushed," it was the natural thing for them to buy jewelry.

There are many old houses in this city, houses with a distinguished ancestry in the trade. And the men at the head of these houses are justly proud of the men who have conducted the business and who have handed it down to them. When General Lafayette visited Baltimore in the early part of the 19th century, and was entertained only as Baltimore can entertain, it was the natural thing to present something to the illustrious Frenchman.

So a presentation committee was organized and Samuel Kirk, founder of the house of Samuel Kirk & Son Co., was commissioned to make two beautiful silver cups for Lafayette. Mr. Kirk executed the order with his typical zeal, and today in the Kirk museum at the company's store, 106-108 E. Baltimore St., is shown with pride photographs of the famous loving cups. The Kirk company claim the distinction of being the oldest silversmiths in the United States. It is not generally known, but in 1814 the first law with regard to the stamping of silver as to its quality was passed by the Maryland Legislature. In 1815 Samuel Kirk, a silversmith of Quaker ancestry, came to Baltimore from Doylestown, Pa., and opened a small shop on Market St. (now Baltimore St.). He descended through both parents from English silversmiths, who had distinguished themselves in their craft in England. Through his mother, Grace Child Kirk, he traced his ancestry back to Sir Francis Child, Lord Mayor of London in 1669.

It has been definitely fixed that Mr. Kirk started business in this city in 1815, through the assay marks required on silver at that time. For many years Mr. Kirk conducted his business in a small shop, and in 1846 his son, Henry Child Kirk, was admitted to the partnership, under the firm name of Samuel Kirk & Son. In 1861, Charles D. and Clarence E. Kirk, sons of Samuel Kirk. were admitted, and the firm name was altered to Samuel Kirk & Sons. Seven years later, Charles D. and Clarence E. Kirk withdrew from the firm and the business was once more represented by Samuel Kirk and his son, Henry Child Kirk, under the name of Samuel Kirk & Son. The founder of the house died in 1872, and the business was continued by Henry Child Kirk until 1890, when he admitted his only son, Henry Child Kirk. Jr., as a partner without change of the firm name. Six years later Henry Child Kirk, Sr., formed the corporation existing today. Mr. Kirk. Sr., remained at the head of the business until his death. which occurred Aug. I, 1914. Henry Child Kirk. Jr., succeeded his father as head of the house. and William H. Conkling, Jr., great-grandson of the founder, Samuel Kirk, also became an officer of the corporation.

Each of the four representatives of the Kirk family have served an apprenticeship in the craft, and have qualified as practical silversmiths. The present head of the firm served a number of years at the bench in the Kirk factory before he became executive head of the firm. Within its 100 years of history the Kirk firm has known two tires and occupied four buildings. AU original drawings, designs and patterns that could not be replaced were saved from the fires. The Kirk plant is one of the most modern in the world and its trade is among the wealthiest people of the south. The present officers of the company are Henry C. Kirk, Jr., president; J. F. H. Maginn, vice-president ; F. W. Kakel. treasurer, and W. H. Conkling, Jr., secretary. The Kirk store is one of the most imposing jewelry and silverware stores in the country.

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