Monadnock Moments No. 19: The Newburyport Silver Compnay
Did you know that Keene used to be the home of a silver company that produced sterling silver here for several years? The Newburyport Silver Company opened its doors in Keene in 1904. Seven Massachusetts men founded the company in Newburyport, Mass. in about 1902, thus the name Newburyport Silver. They moved the company to Keene two years later, reportedly with some local financial support.
The company prospered and a 1908 trade directory listed the firm as one of the most successful industries in Keene. The company had about 40 skilled workmen and 13 traveling salesmen at that time. The operation was located in the Jones Building on Church Street. Products of the company were sold throughout the country. Despite this early success, the company soon faced financial difficulties. The Newburyport Silver Company was closed by bankruptcy in 1915, slightly more than ten years after it was moved to Keene.
The firm made a full line of sterling tableware, both flat and hollow, as well as souvenir spoons and novelties. Spoons were the most common items, but trays, loving cups, candlesticks, and many other items were also made. Silver with the Newburyport touch mark is now eagerly sought by collectors.