A RARE SILVER PITCHER

MAKER'S MARK OF THE VOLUND SHOP, PARK RIDGE, ILLINOIS, 1914-1915

Details
A RARE SILVER PITCHER
Maker's mark of the Volund Shop, Park Ridge, Illinois, 1914-1915
Baluster form, with spot-hammered surface, the body applied on one side with monogram BWS, with curved handle, marked under base 4111 HANDWROUGHT
8in.; 21oz.

Lot Essay

The Volund shop was founded in 1914 by Grant Wood, later famous for his renowned painting American Gothic, and the Norwegian silversmith Kristopher Haga. Wood had trained as a silversmith in the Kalo Arts & Crafts community in Park Ridge.
The shop, named after the Norse god of silversmiths, produced handmade gold and silver wares and jewelry. The influence of the English Arts & Crafts movement is apparent in the undecorated and hand-finished surfaces of their wares. The shop went out of business after only 18 months. (See Sharon S. Darling, Chicago Metalsmiths, 1977, p. 63; incorrectly spelled Wolund.)

A silver dish by the Volund shop sold in these Rooms, 17 June 1992, lot 6.