Fish Platter, Cecil County

Maker: Samuel Kirk & Sons (1815-1979)
Objects: Fish Platter, Cecil County
Date: 1906
Medium: Sterling Silver
Dimensions: Overall length (eagle to eagle), 26 ½; Overall width, 13”
Accession number: MSA SC 1545-0971

Cecil County is represented by a fish platter, the largest serving dish in the service. Cecil County was formed in 1674 from Baltimore and Kent counties and was named for Cecilius Calvert (1605-1675), Second Lord Baltimore.

The designs on the fish platter relate to the nautical boundaries of the county, which are formed by the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. The Great Seal is flanked by fish nets against a background of swamp grass and cattails, while the Cruiser is surrounded by sprays of native foliage. As in the other serving platters, the “USSM” monogram is engraved in the center, two eagles are applied to the sides, and the rope border surrounds the perimeter.

Scenes across the top (left to right):
1. Fishing on the Susquehanna River (number 71)
2. Great Seal of Maryland
3. Susquehanna River (number 72)

Scenes across the bottom (right to left)
1. Captain John Smith “bartering” with the Indians, 1621 (number 73)
2. USS Maryland Cruiser
3. Kitty Knight Home (number 74)