Coffee Pot. Silver. C. F. W. Walther, 1887

Item

Identifier: OCT 2021 #2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This item was donated by Janet Schaefer Quiram. Her grandmother, Sophia Walther Shaefer was the daughter of Sophia and Constantine Walther. As Sophia aged, she went to St. Louis to live with her daughter, Sophia Schaefer. Sophia kept two pieces of the silver that was presented to C. F. W. Walther when he retired. When she was engaged to her seminarian husband, August Gerald Quiram, she was given both pieces. One item was given to her brother and this item she retained until giving it to CHI. [This information is quoted from information provided by the donor.]

[Additional research has been undertaken to affirm the veracity of the above history. No reference could be identified regarding a "retirement" of Walther. There was, however, a significant celebration for Walther's 50th Ordination Anniversary (January 16, 1887). An article in Der Lutheraner (43:3, 1887) indicates that Walther was given $3000 in gold coins at this event. No mention was immediately located about a silver set.]

Dates

Creation: 1887

Extent

1 Artifacts

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Physical Location

On Display - Walther Exhibit

Physical Description

The maker's mark indicates this item was crafted by Rogers Bros., West Meriden, Conn. The silver is identified at A1 and has the following numbers added below the mark: 1951 6. This footed pot is approximately 10.5" tall, has a handle, attached lid, and spout. It is adorned with grapes on the lid and around the spout and handle. There is also a hand-etching under the lid: 796H and another etching under the base: 796-Z H.