Karl Kipp Copper & Silver Tankard, ca. 1915
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GUEST:
Well, it's a copper and silver tankard from Karl Kipp, who worked for Roycroft at the beginning of the 20th century. And then he formed 2K Studio
around 1913 to 1915. And then the head of Roycroft was killed in the Lusitania, so he then returned to Roycroft to continue on there.
APPRAISER:
So this one dates to...?
GUEST:
Well, I think 1913 to 1915, because it's from his own studio.
APPRAISER:
Perfect. So I agree with everything you just said, and let me add a few more things to that. So Karl Kipp was a master coppersmith, and copper was the preferred metal of the Arts and Crafts period. It was cheap, it was available, it was malleable. But this is interesting, because in addition to the copper, it has German nickel silver hammered and applied around it. But what's also fascinating about this tankard is it's got a flip lid with silver design, and with a lapis cabochon. I know of three of these, one of which is missing the lid. One in copper that was actually with a Roycroft and a Karl Kipp mark both. This one I think on today's market... and the market's come down a bit, but at auction I'd estimate this for somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000.
GUEST:
Wow.
APPRAISER:
The last one I had I sold for $30,000.
GUEST:
Wow.
APPRAISER:
So they have brought - they're super rare. I only, again, know of one and maybe two more with the cabochon intact, and you found yourself a real gem.
You found it at... where'd you find this?
GUEST:
I found it at a garage sale for two dollars.
APPRAISER:
For two dollars.
GUEST:
Yes.
APPRAISER:
Well, I think we should fill this up with beer and drink it, what do you think?
GUEST:
Oh, definitely, or champagne, maybe.
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