Kitts & Werne, Louisville KY, 'Tuscan' Coin Silver Pierced Sifter

The firm of "Kitts & Werne" was a prominent jewelry and silver house in Louisville, Kentucky, known for quality offerings. John Kitts dates to 1838, while sources differ on the year of the founding of his pairing with Joseph Warne, ranging from 1860-64 and lasting until 1878.

This piece, which is marked "Kitts & Werne" is a 7 3/4" long, weighty at 2.0 T. oz., coin silver, sugar sifter.

There is some thought that larger items like this may actually have been early ice or pea spoons rather than sifters, but that is an open question.

The pattern is Tuscan, which is an Olive variant patented by Michael Gibney, NYC, in 1846. Given the dates of Kitts & Werne and the fact that this is coin rather than sterling, which was in general use by 1870, it is possible this was sold during or close to the end of the Civil War.

There is a handsome, feathered script, "CCW" monogram engraved sideways on the handle front.

The bowl is shell form, with a scalloped edge, a ribbed interior, and "apostrophe" shaped piercings.

In flawless estate condition, this shows clear pattern detail and a warm patina. The bowl is free of bends, nicks, breaks, or burrs.