William B. Kerr & Company | People | Collection of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

We have 3 objects involving William B. Kerr & Company

Oblong, with irregular curved sides conforming to shape of coiled rattlesnake, its mouth open, fangs displayed, fork-tongue extended, rattle at end of tail, overall raised scale texture to simulate snake skin, identical decoration on reverse. Lid hinged on side. Striker in recessed groove on bottom.

Coiled Rattlesnake Matchsafe, ca. 1890
silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-123

This object was made by William B. Kerr & Company.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 3 images of this object.

Oblong, with rounded corners and sides, featuring raised decoration of seated, nude, winged female with outstretched arms that rest upon oversized, stylized lily flowers. Two more oversized flowers are above her head on lid, large, stem-like swirls a part of background. Reverse features similar flowers on lid and similar stem-like decoration on body, framing monogramed central reserve, inscribed D.B.G. Hinge on side. Striker recessed in small groove on bottom.

Seated Winged Female Matchsafe, ca. 1900
silver.
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener.
1978-146-438

This object was made by William B. Kerr & Company.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.

Flat ruler surmounted by head of woman in 3/4 frontal view, her loose, flowing tresses entwined with large flowers; face of ruler marked with lines and dots at 1/8-inch intervals and the numbers 1, 2 and 3 at each full inch; square slide with central flower framed by scrolls on each side.

Hem Measure (USA), ca. 1894
silver.
Gift of Mrs. Earle F. Hiscock.
1976-108-1

This object was made by William B. Kerr & Company.
This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
There are 2 images of this object.