Dorchester County (Compote Dish)
From the USS Maryland Silver Service
Maker: Samuel Kirk & Sons (1815-1979)
Objects: Compote Dish, Dorchester County
Date: 1906
Medium: Sterling Silver
Dimensions: Overall height, 4 ½; Overall diameter, 10 1/8; Diameter of base, 5”
Accession number(s): MSA SC 1545-0927-5
The USS Maryland silver service includes a total of four compote dishes representing Caroline, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, and Worcester Counties on the Eastern Shore. The exact date and legal origin of Dorchester County are unknown, but it was in existence by February 16, 1668/69, when a writ was issued to the county sheriff by the Lord Proprietary. It was named for Sir Edward Sackville (1590-1652), the 4th Earl of Dorset, a family friend of the Calverts.
While the four scenes on each piece are unique to that particular county, the overall appearance of each compote is identical. The Great Seal and the Cruiser are each surrounded by sprays of oak, chestnut, sassafras and linden. Oyster shells around the base connect the pieces to the Eastern Shore, and the rope borders symbolize the nautical theme of the service.
Scenes
1. Warwick Fort Manor House (number 165)2. USS Maryland Cruiser
3. Cambridge Maryland Hospital (number 166)
Scenes on the reverse
1. Old Trinity Church (number 164)2. Great Seal of Maryland
3. Courthouse at Cambridge (number 167)
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