Rare Southern coin silver tea service by Kirk Baltimore, MD (circa 1824-7) scrolling foliate finial on leaf capped domed hinged cover and bulbous baluster chased with large acanthus leaf panels, grapevine band, and etched coat-of-arms with HEAC GENERA INCREASMENTA FIDES; masked spout and scrolling eagle's head embellished handle, raised on pedestal base with winged paw feet; marked: Kirk, as well as with rare Baltimore Assay office date mark; comprising: teapot, H12 1/4"; covered sugar, H10 1/4"; creamer, H8 1/4"; and wastebowl, H7 1/2". (Small dents to each piece and covered sugar with one foot pressed down, otherwise good condition) 101.3oz *Note: This rare coffeepot bears hallmarks that serve as an example of Baltimore's unique practice of marking silver to ensure its purity from 1814-1830 in the manner of the British. In the history of American silver, only Baltimore, and at a much later date, Massachusetts, succeeded in establishing an assay office and requiring that silver be stamped to indicate its standard of purity, place of origin, and year of manufacture. *Reference: Pleasants, J. Hall, and Still, Howard. MARYLAND SILVERSMITHS 1715-1830. Baltimore: Baltimore Press, 1930. pp.26.