SILVER SERVICE

1908

Gift of the United States Navy

1997.81.01 a-c

Following the Spanish-American War, a spirit of nationalism - combined with the recently realized need for a stronger navy - encouraged Congress to appropriate money for a new fleet of warships. An armored cruiser, the U.S.S. Montana was one of twelve resulting vessels. In 1907, Montana's legislature appropriated $6,000 to fund the creation of a silver service for the new ship that would be sufficiently grand to "enable the officers of the vessel to entertain official guests in a manner befitting the dignity of the State [of Montana]." Dillon's Huber Brothers jewelers secured the commission to have nineteen pieces hand-wrought by the Massachusetts firm of Reed and Barton. When completed, the highly ornate silver service was adorned with decorative motifs depicting both nautical themes and emblems of the Treasure State, including flora and fauna like bitterroot and buffalo as well as artworks by Charlie Russell and E. S. Paxson.