Samuel Kirk (silversmith)

Samuel Kirk (February 15, 1793 – July 6, 1872) was an American silversmith, active in Baltimore, Maryland, and best known for his introduction of repoussé to the United States.

Kirk was born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, apprenticed in 1810 to James Howell in Philadelphia, and partnered from 1815 to 1820 with John Smith in Baltimore with their shop at 212 Market Street (later known as 106 Baltimore Street).

During this early period Kirk introduced to America a chased floral repoussé pattern for silverware, probably inspired by East India silversmiths, which is still known generically as "Baltimore Silver."

S. Kirk & Son first made 925/1000 silver in the year 1886.

Kirk's work includes two silver cups for General Lafayette to commemorate his visit to Baltimore, President James Monroe's flatware service for his daughter's wedding, and a 48-piece dinner service for the USS Maryland that illustrates almost two hundred scenes from Maryland's history.