Marked S. Kirk & Son / 11 oz, engraved to cartouche below mask form spout "Presented / to / Charles J. Baker Esqr. / by / The Board of Directors of / The Pittsburgh, Washington / & Baltimore R.R.Co. / in acknowledgment of his service / as a Trustee of the / Five Million Loan / September 1873," the body of the pitcher incorporates a hand-chased pictorial band of a steam locomotive peopled with passengers, conductor, signalers and other crew members and a dog entering a tunnel, below the central band are acanthus leaves in repeat and above are floral sprays and rocaille decoration, all against a stippled ground, the domed foot with additional floral decoration, with ornate cast scrolled handle.

13 5/8 in.

47.84 total troy oz.

From the Estate of the late Benjamin W. Baker, Sr., Raleigh, North Carolina

Charles Joseph Baker (1821-1894) was among the most successful businessmen in 19th century Baltimore, Maryland. He was the head of the family business, Baker Bros. & Co., which owned the Baltimore Glass Works. He was involved in numerous political and business enterprises in the city. In 1870 he was instrumental in securing the construction of the Union Tunnel and Railroad. As this pitcher commemorates, Baker was also an important figure in negotiation of the "Five Million Dollar" loan from London banks to fund the growth of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

Very small pinpoint hole to one side of spout, possibly as made; else in good estate condition.

$8,000 - 12,000