Fillet Platter, Allegany County

Maker: Samuel Kirk & Sons (1815-1979)
Objects: Fillet Platter, Allegany County
Date: 1906
Medium: Sterling Silver
Dimensions: Overall length (eagle to eagle): 16½, Overall width,10¾”
Accession number: MSA SC 1545-0936

The western county of Allegany is represented by a large fillet platter, which is similar in design to the Howard County roast platter. Allegany County was formed in 1789 from Washington County, and is one of three counties not named for an individual. Its name comes from the Native American word, oolikhanna, meaning "beautiful stream."

The fillet platter is decorated with four scenes that reflect the importance of the county’s role in the westward migration of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Cornucopias of apples flank the Great Seal of Maryland, and these are surrounded by sprays of chestnut, oak and pine. Sprays of oak, birch, hemlock, and grain surround the Cruiser, and a clump of cattails appear to the right of the boat. As with 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. Stone Bridge at Will’s Creek Narrows (number 63)
2. Great Seal of Maryland
3. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (number 64)

Scenes across the bottom (right to left)
1. Fort Cumberland (number 65)
2. USS Maryland Cruiser
3. George’s Creek Coal Field [coal for the USS Maryland was taken from this mine] (number 66)