Rare Randahl Shop Hand-Wrought Sterling Silver 3-Flask Set – W.O. Briggs / Detroit Tigers Provenance – Original Leather Case
Offered here is an exceptional three-piece hand-wrought sterling silver flask set by The Randahl Shop of Chicago, attributed through provenance and monogramming to Walter Owen Briggs, Detroit industrialist and former owner of the Detroit Tigers.
The set consists of three matching large rectangular sterling silver flasks, each engraved “W.O.B.”, together with their fitted vintage leather carrying case. The case’s metal closure is likewise engraved “W.O.B.”
Maker & Marks
Each flask bears the distinctive J.O.R./Randahl maker’s mark together with:
HAND WROUGHT
STERLING
790
The maker’s mark is associated with Julius O. Randahl and The Randahl Shop of Chicago, an important American Arts & Crafts silversmith.
The 790 is the Randahl model/pattern number, not the silver fineness. These pieces are marked STERLING, indicating .925 silver.
Comparable Randahl No. 790 flasks have been identified as dating to approximately the early 20th century/circa 1920 period.
Size & Weight
These are unusually large and substantial flasks.
Each measures approximately:
8.5” long × 4.5” wide × 1.5” thick
The three flasks together weigh approximately:
1,779 grams / 62.75 regular ounces / 57.2 troy ounces GROSS
One flask individually weighed approximately 594 grams, demonstrating the remarkably substantial construction of these pieces.
IMPORTANT: These are gross weights of the complete flasks and include cork stoppers and any other non-sterling internal components. The stated 57.2 troy ounces should not be interpreted as 57.2 troy ounces of pure or net sterling silver.
The fitted leather case measures approximately:
16” × 10” × 2.5”
Walter Owen Briggs / Detroit Tigers Association
All three flasks bear the matching W.O.B. monogram, as does the hardware on the fitted leather carrying case.
The set was acquired with provenance connecting it to the Briggs family/estate and is being offered as attributed to Walter Owen Briggs.
Walter Owen Briggs was a prominent Detroit industrialist associated with Briggs Manufacturing Company and became owner of the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers’ ballpark was renamed Briggs Stadium during the Briggs ownership era and later became known as Tiger Stadium.
Also accompanying the set is period Detroit material, including a photographic postcard stamped:
JUN 1937
DETROIT BOARD OF COMMERCE CRUISE
The reverse is stamped:
COMPLIMENTS OF
PEARCE B. BLAND
CADILLAC INSURANCE AGENCY
161 W. CONGRESS ST.
The card also contains period handwritten notations, including what appears to read “Spike Briggs.”
This material will accompany the set and is shown in the photographs. It is presented as supporting provenance rather than as standalone authentication of ownership.
Condition
The entire set is offered in as-found, unpolished vintage condition.
The sterling has developed extensive natural dark tarnish and patina and exhibits scratches, rubbing, handling marks and surface wear consistent with age and use. We have intentionally not polished the flasks, preserving their existing surface and patina for the next owner.
The leather case shows substantial age-appropriate character, including scuffs, staining, discoloration, dryness, edge wear and deterioration. Hardware also exhibits age and wear.
Please examine all photographs carefully. They are considered an important part of the condition description.
Included in the Sale
The sale includes the three matching Randahl Shop No. 790 hand-wrought sterling silver flasks, fitted W.O.B.-monogrammed leather carrying case, and associated provenance material shown in the photographs.
The set is being offered complete and will not be separated.
This is an unusual combination of important American Arts & Crafts silver, substantial sterling weight, original fitted leather case, matching W.O.B. monograms, and Detroit/Briggs historical provenance.
A particularly compelling piece for collectors of American silver, Randahl Shop silver, Detroit history, baseball memorabilia, Detroit Tigers history, or Briggs family material.