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• Before & After •
Grosjean & Woodward Coin Presentation Ewer

When this important piece of fire department memorabilia arrived, dents had to be removed, extensive encrustation dissolved, and a good overall cleaning performed, including removal of decades-old dried silver polish. The encrustation had etched large areas of the ewer's surface, which was left intact. (The etching could have been burnished smooth, but that wasn't requested by the collector.) Above: Removing encrustation after the dents were removed.

Above left: The original surface and after applying the patina, ready for hand polishing

The 21" tall ewer was created in 1855 by Grosjean & Woodward (G&W) of New York, but the commission was most likely taken by Cincinnati retailer Beggs & Smith (1848-1861). The Cincinnati, Ohio, fire department was the first in the nation to pay its firefighters. This ewer was presented to its very first fire chief upon his retirement. The main body and base were both raised from flat discs of silver. The base stem, neck, and spout were seamed and fabricated. The cast elements are the firemen's bugles, helmets, fire axes, and fireman stationed atop the handle. All castings were chased and/or finished prior to assembly. The silversmithing, chasing, and engraving are all beautifully executed. This piece would have been originally patinated, but throughout its life the patina was gradually polished away and encrustation started to form. Above: Briggs & Smith retailer and G&W maker. Right: The finished piece with details below.

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