SCHWANKE-KASTEN
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In 1943, under the direction of Governor Goodland, a $7,500 budgeted directive to add a silver tea service and replace
and refurbish any missing pieces to the original 35-piece set; ironically designed by Christian Preusser Jewelers, created in
1901. e original silver service set featured 1,552 ounces of hand-wrought silver and was delivered aboard the original
USS Wisconsin to be used when hosting formal receptions and foreign dignitaries. While the original USS Wisconsin
was decommissioned in the 1920s, it was recommissioned in 1943. With recommissioning of the newly constructed USS
Wisconsin, Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers worked with Gorham Manufacturing Company to create this nearly 450-ounce silver
tea-set. It was wonderfully ornate; adorned with "symbolic badgers, pine cones, grain sheaves and the great seal of Wisconsin".
e pieces included: a $1,215 tray, $925 hot water kettle, $575 coffee pot, $545 tea pot, $395 sugar bowl with a cover, $335
cream jug and a waste bowl or "slop" for $300. e rest of the budget went to replacing and refurbishing the missing pieces in
the original set. In 1988, following the final re-commissioning of what was once the largest battleship in WWII, the 48-piece
set was estimated to be worth around $500,000.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
