Description
This is a vintage early Art Deco sterling silver Kirk & Son match box case or cover made between 1925-1932. It was never monogrammed or inscribed. It has light surface age scratches and has not been polished out. Overall condition is excellent. No dents or dings. No deep scratches or tears. It is very well made by a respected maker of fine quality sterling silver accessories during the Art Deco period. Very thick, solid, strong and durable. Size is 1 5/8″ by 1 1/8″ wide by 1/2″ deep. Weight is heavy for an open match box at 21.1 grams. A lovely addition for your antique and vintage sterling silver accessories collection.
Age Condirmation:
Vintage S. Kirk & Son plain sterling silver matchbox cover case, Model #90, which was manufactured between 1925 and 1932.
How to Decode the Markings
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- The Company Name (“S. Kirk & Son”): The firm used the stamp S. Kirk & Son during two distinct periods: 1846–1861 and 1896–1924. In 1924, they incorporated, and by 1932, they strictly transitioned to stamping pieces as S. Kirk & Son Inc. However, during a brief transitional window from 1925 to 1932, the company continued using up older, existing die stamps that lacked the “Inc.” mark on newer catalog items.
- The “90” vs. “90F” Model Number: Kirk utilized a specific numbering system to denote the finish of their hollowware. Model #90 was reserved exclusively for the plain, unornamented polished sterling finish. The counterpart featuring their famous raised floral design was stamped 90F (the “F” standing for Floral or Fancy Repoussé).
- The Number “8” Stamp: In S. Kirk & Son silver manufacturing, small single-digit numbers (like 1 through 9) stamped near the hallmark are silversmith inventory or bench marks. These identified the specific craftsman or production line at the Baltimore facility responsible for shaping and finishing that individual piece.
Because this specific shape of safety-match slipcase was designed for commercial matchboxes distributed in the 1920s and 1930s, your plain Model #90 holder dates perfectly to that era.
