A small sterling silver bowl with lattice worked border. This charming little bowl, or dish is a simple, yet charming piece of silver work from one of the finest names in American silver. It could be perfect for by the door for keys and change, or by the bed as a vide poche. To understand this piece first, one must understand the company that made it.
Shreve & Co. is considered one of the oldest retail firms in the United States and California. The history of Shreve & Co. in San Francisco, California, dates back to 1852 when jeweler George C. Shreve and his nephew Samuel S. Shreve opened the Shreve Jewelry Company at 110 Montgomery Street. The brothers moved to San Francisco from New York to take advantage of the city's wealth from the California Gold Rush. George had been trained as a goldsmith by his half-brother, Benjamin Shreve, who co-founded Shreve, Crump & Low in Boston
During this period, Shreve & Co. developed its first line of flatware and published the first in a series of illustrated catalogs, featuring jewelry and novelties as well as an extensive silverware collection. The brothers were well-positioned to succeed. George had been trained as a goldsmith by his older half-brother, Benjamin Shreve, one of the founders of Shreve, Crump & Low in Boston. The two filled the store with silver objects, European fancy goods, and fine jewelry. During the 1880s, the firm established itself as one of the foremost producers of fine silver in America, specializing in Arts & Crafts designs. Shreve’s pieces were handsomely finished, often featuring hand hammering and cut-out designs. The business prospered, and the store moved to a new location on Market Street.
In 1894, George’s son inherited the business and took on a new partner, Albert Lewis. Now renamed Shreve and Company, the firm relocated in March of 1906 to a newly constructed earthquake-proof building on Post and Grant. When the great earthquake struck one month later, the building, unlike most others in the city, stood. After the earthquake, the firm moved to Oakland for two years while the building’s interior was restored. When restoration was complete, business returned to normal for about a decade. Shreve again closed its doors during World War I, as its silversmiths were put to work manufacturing airplane parts. It reopened in 1918. Since then, despite several changes in ownership, the store has remained an important source of au courant fine jewelry and silver in San Francisco.
Again during World War Two Shreve & Co. contributed to the war effort, enlisted to produce airplane parts. After the end of the war the company resumed business and continued on its path of growth, later becoming part of the Dayton-Hudson corporation.
Many of Shreve's spectacular pieces were used by presidents, business tycoons, establishment families, and those same pieces now belong in museums and private collections around the world.The company has worked with many famous people, including President Theodore Roosevelt, who commissioned Shreve to make a 10-inch solid gold teddy bear as a gift from the citizens of San Francisco.
It is also very well worth noting that In 1887, Shreve & Co. became the second American jeweler to represent Patek Philippe luxury Swiss timepieces. The company's philosophy of having a global perspective for jewelers' discerning eyes helped it become a leader in the field of luxury Swiss timepieces
Today, Shreve & Co. holds the distinction of being the oldest retail firms in the state of California and one of the oldest retail firms in the country.
Although a simple piece, the quality is excellent, as is the condition throughout. The piece is fully sttamped on the back with the Shreve makers mark, and a product reference number. Made in America circa 1900.
