Potter Studio, Cleveland, Reticulated Sterling Silver Tomato Server

Along with several other artisans, Horace Potter was a founder of the "Cleveland School of Arts and Crafts" in 1898.

There is ample biographical material about him available online, including the site "chicagosilver," which notes that he graduated from the "Cleveland School of Art" in 1898 and maintained strong ties with Boston where he studied further and worked briefly.

The "New York Metropolitan Museum of Arts" holds a silver casket made by him circa 1907 which reflects the influence Charles Robert Ashbee under whom Potter worked for a period.

This piece is marked "Potter Studio" which "chicagosilver" dates 1915-24. While sterling, this has no standard mark, which is consistent with Potter's practice.

It is a lengthy, 9", approximately 2.0 T. oz., tomato server with a round, proportionately large 3" diameter, blade.

It has a long, narrow, arced, handle that shows subtle hammering marks on both sides. The reverse is engraved with a "MD over R" block letter monogram.

The handle has a squared, tabular end with hand cut tracery ornamentation. The blade is extensively cut in a similar design.

The backside of the blade has a semicircular feature that is part of the join with the handle. This is structural and provides reinforcement through added thickness at a place of stress.

This remains in flawless estate condition. It shows no wear or damage apart from light surface scratches consistent with age, and possesses a bright finish.