Catalog (2409)

Wonderful French 18K gold stickpin in the form of a dragon. The detail is incredible. Raised up on his hind legs, with his wings unfurled, the dragon is exhaling tongues of flame. His tail is curled around several times before circling completely around the body to form the circular outline of the stickpin's head. The texture of the feathery wings and scaly body is superb. The back is marked with French hallmarks for 18K gold and an unidentified maker's mark.

Origin: France, ca. 1860. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: head, 9/16" diameter; overall length, 3-1/16". Weight: 3.5 grams.

Very fine pair of late Art Noveau 18K gold double-sided cufflinks. The faces show a beautifully designed young woman's face stylized wisps of hair cascading around a porthole-like frame. The design is really superb. The connectors open so the cufflinks are easy to put on. The backs are marked with French 18K import marks. The rather severely stylized design suggests that they are of Belgian or German (possibly Austrian) origin.

Origin: Continental Europe, ca. 1910. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, all original. Size: 9/16" diameter. Weight: 9.0 grams.

Astounding set of 12 Art Deco sterling silver swizzle sticks with star-shaped ivory finials by Jean Puiforcat, one of France’s most important silversmiths. The silver is beautifully gilt to accent the natural color of the ivory. The swizzle sticks are presented in their original red felt-lined fitted box marked “Puiforcat Orfèvre Paris”. Puiforcat is extremely high-end and articles that bear the Puiforcat mark are always of the absolute finest quality and rarity.

Origin: France, ca. 1935. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 4-5/16” long; ivory stars, 1-1/16” diameter. Weight: 130.5 grams.

PLEASE NOTE: This item cannot be shipped outside the United States.

Beautiful cranberry-cut-to-clear glass decanter. The generously-sized bottle has terrific color and very nice quality cutting of hobstars, strawberry diamond, and notched prism motifs. The stopper has a blown teardrop and is cut in a matching pattern. The bottom is cut with a full hobstar. The neck and stopper are engraved with matching numbers (signifying that this is the original stopper). The bottom is signed in script.

Origin: Belgium, ca. 1930. Condition: mint. Size: 16" tall.

Beautiful 29.75” strand of pearls by Mikimoto. The 6.0-6.5mm pearls are joined with a 14K yellow gold clasp set with a 3.3mm pearl. The strand comprises 113 pearls having medium cream-rose body color with Mikimoto’s classic rosé overtones. The nacre is thick and the luster is very fine. The quality is appraised at fine AA, indicating that they just border on the elusive AAA quality. The clasp is marked with Mikimoto’s hallmark. The strand is presented in its original white satin folio marked "Mikimoto Fifth Avenue".

Origin: Japan, ca. 1980. Condition: excellent, securely strung; the satin folio has a champagne stain in the interior. Size: 29.75”, 6.0-6.5mm.

Accompanied by a June 2005 Bailey, Banks & Biddle written appraisal for $6,500.

A terrific set of 12 Art Deco silverplated knife rests. The design on the ends combines severely linear elements with bas-relief details—the ultimate in Art Deco styling. Each “porte-couteau” is marked with unidentified French hallmarks.

Origin: France, ca. 1920. Condition: excellent. Size: 3-1/8” long.

Phenomenal Art Deco cocktail shaker and six matching cocktail glasses by Gorham. The gently curving surface has a quilted appearance created by deeply incised vertical and horizontal lines. The spout and handle are attached to the body with a cobweb-like decorative device. The cocktail glasses are raised on tall stems with knops decorated to match the bowls. The same decorative element is repeated where the stems meet the flaring bases. The interiors of the bowls retain the original gilding. The bottom of each piece is fully hallmarked for Gorham with the year mark for 1928. The shaker is marked with the pattern number GA 13825 and the glasses with GA 13826.

This set was featured in Gorham's 1929 catalogue under the heading, "Sterling Splendor: Eminently Indispensible Silver Necessities of the Luxurious Modern Home." The set was the most expensive shaker offered by Gorham and cost the equivalent of a car or a small farm. Partly as a result of its sellling price, this set is one of the rarest cocktail shakers ever made. Gorham produced silver in the Art Deco and modernist style for only a short period (1926-29) under the guidance of famed silversmith Erik Magnussen worked there. Though it has been attributed to Magnussen (Visakay), it was probably not one of his designs since none of the very few examples are signed by the designer.

Origin: America, 1928. Condition: excellent; shaker has no dings, deep scratches or monograms; two of the glasses have a small flat ding on the edge of the weighted base. Size: shaker, 12" tall; glasses, 5-1/8" tall. Weight: 2,064 grams.

Elegant sterling silver basket of sterling silver, pierced to reveal a cobalt blue glass liner. The neo-Gothic style piercing is accented with a tiny band of beading just below. The basket is raised on a foot. The swing handle is unadorned. The bottom is hallmarked by Redlich.

Origin: America, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent, no dings or cracks, no monogram. Size: 5-1/2” tall to top of handle; 4-1/4” diameter. Silver Weight: 122.5 grams.

Lovely signed Mikimoto flower-form brooch in 18K yellow gold set with pearls. The flower petals are made up of very fine quality 6-6.5mm pearls, estimated at AA. The nacre is thick and very lustrous. The body color is white with green/rose overtones. The back of the pin is marked with Mikimoto’s hallmark and the gold content.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1990. Condition: mint. Size: 2-1/8” x 1-1/8”. Weight: 6.5 grams.

Very nice set of 11 sterling silver cocktail or seafood forks in Gorham’s 1899 “Cambridge” pattern. This was one of Gorham’s most popular late Victorian patterns. The handles are encrusted in a decoration of wild roses with gadrooned edges. The backs are marked with an older Gorham hallmark and the patent date, indicating that these are early.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, no monograms, sharp details. Size: 5-3/8” long. Weight: 145.0 grams.

Very nice vintage South Jersey glass paperweight featuring a frit design of an ivy-covered blue cross against an opaque white ground. The foreground has a wave-like frit design. The opaque ground is most unusual in a South Jersey weight. The crown rises quite high into a pronounced cowlick more typical of New England weights. The bottom has a pontil mark and slight basal concavity, and there is an incised line around the periphery at the top edge of the opaque ground.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, very light surface scratching as expected. Size: 3-1/4” diameter; 2-1/4” tall.

Pretty set of eight bone china coasters by Royal Worcester. Each has a hand painted transfer-printed floral bouquet design. The outer edges are ridged and the rims are gilt. In addition to their original purpose, the coasters could also be used for nut dishes or even butter pats.

Origin: England, ca. 1970. Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks. Size: 3-9/16" diameter.

Lovely set of 12 sterling silver cocktail or seafood forks by Davis & Galt. The handles are heavily decorated with an unusual repousse paisley pattern. The workmanship is very nice. The backs are hallmarked by the maker and have the retailer’s mark for Bailey, Banks & Biddle.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monograms. Size: 5-15/16” long. Weight: 179.5 grams.

Superb sterling silver powder box covered with beautiful floral repousse decoration. The design features a dense covering of daisies, chrysanthemums and roses surrounding a pair of rococo reserves framed with assymetrical scrolls. Neither of the reserves has ever been monogrammed. The decoration is really excellent and is of a quality that would rival the best of the repousse decorators. The interior retains the original gilding. The bottom is marked with Gorham’s late 19th century mark and has the date code for 1894. It is also marked with the pattern number “735”.

Origin: America, 1894. Condition: excellent, the concealed inside lip of the lid has some bends that are not at all visible when the lid is in place. Size: 4” diameter; 3-1/8” high. Weight: 145.5 grams.

A very nice sterling silver pincushion and sewing box by Tiffany & Co. The pierced sterling silver walls enclose a sewing box (or jewelry box) with two hinged tops that serve as pincushions. The current dark purple velvet is a replacement, but is placed over the original box structure. The pierced handle has an area that can be monogrammed (never been monogrammed). The whole is raised on bun feet. The bottom is marked with the Tiffany hallmark in use 1902-07.

Origin: America, 1902-07. Condition: excellent, velvet replaced, never monogrammed. Size: 6-7/8” x 3-1/2” x 4-1/2” tall.

Vintage pair of sterling silver screwback earrings set with 5mm and 6mm Mikimoto pearls. This is the classic style produced by Mikimoto in the mid-20th century—beautiful pearls set in the simplest possible way so that the pearls take center stage. The pearl quality is very nice—estimated at A+. They have an ivory body color with rose overtones and the luster is bright. The backs are marked with Mikimoto’s hallmark.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1950. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 13/32” x 7/32”. Weight: 5.0 grams.

An elegant late Victorian jewelry box in the Louis XVI style. The sides and lid are decorated with delicate raised birds and floral sprays against a stippled background. Engraved volutes at the corners accent the main decoration. The edges are decorated in a typical French bound reed design. The whole is raised on turned feet. The brass plating is beautifully patinated to a lustrous sheen.

Ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, virtually no wear, the interior fabric has been replcaed with felt and could easily be replaced with something nicer. Size: 5-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 3-1/2".

A pretty Victorian mercury glass vase in rare peacock blue. The surface is frosted and enhanced with painted decoration of fuchsias an autumnal colors. Some areas of the background are left unfrosted for a nice contrast. Blue is a very unusual color for mercury glass pieces.

Origin: America, ca. 1850. Condition: very good, no chips or cracks, lead plug is missing and some oxidation in the foot and light oxidized pinpoints the main part of the body. Size: 8” tall.

Pretty Victorian sterling silver pin decorated with a floral appliqué. The floral design has realistic engraved details. These pins were very popular in the late Victorian period and were made in many different variations, often with a name worked into the design. The back is fully hallmarked for Birmingham, 1890-91, and has the maker’s mark “G.A.R.”.

Origin: England, 1890-91. Condition: excellent, all original, nice patina. Size: 1-11/16” x 3/4". Weight: 3.0 grams.

Superb and very rare copper bowl in the form of three bound leaves by acclaimed silversmith Alfredo Sciarrotta. Most of Sciarrotta’s work was in sterling silver, but he did make a limited line of copper and brass wares early in his career. The designer’s work is instantly recognizable from the quality of workmanship, the heaviness of the material, and of course the naturalistic shapes accented with delicately curling edges and engraved veining. The copper dishes have more realistic appearance than the works in silver, with more detail along the edges of the leaves and in the veining. The dish is raised on three brass ball feet.

Sciarrotta was smuggled out of Italy into the US during World War II to work on submarine technology. Afterwards he settled in Newport, RI and created a small line of hand-made sterling silver hollowware. These were retailed in his own shop and eventually by a few select stores including Shreve Crump & Low, Gorham, Bailey Banks & Biddle, and Cartier. This copper example has the earlier and less common hallmark that Sciarrotta used only at his own studio. Sciarrotta’s designs are in several museum collections including the Smithsonian.

Origin: America, ca. 1948. Condition: excellent, no dings or monograms, excellent patina. Size: 9-7/8” diameter; 3-1/8” tall. Weight: 565.0 grams.

A terrific pair of Art Deco sterling silver tension-hinged sugar tongs or “nips” by W. & S. Sorensen. The twisted upper handles are decorated with gilt crown-shaped finials and the tong ends repeat the twisted pattern of the upper handles. The tongs could be used for sugar cubes, candies, or even olives. Hallmarked by Sorensen. The tongs are very well made and are quite heavy.

Origin: Denmark, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent, all original, traces of original gilding intact. Size: 4-3/8” long. Weight: 30.5 grams.

Heavy sterling silver serving spoon in Gorham’s wonderful 1888 “Versailles” pattern. This was a multi-motif pattern, meaning that each type of flatware in a service had a different handle design. This serving spoon shows a farmer in Classical dress carrying sheaves of wheat—quite a curious motif compared to the ornate scrolls and shell motifs that make us the rest of the design. The back of the handle is marked with Gorham’s older hallmark and also the mark for extra heavy weight—not often encountered, even in this high-end pattern.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: very good, no monograms, no dings or deep scratches, sharp detail, the bowl shows normal use but could easily be buffed. Size: 8-1/2” long. Weight: 80.25 grams.

Outstanding brass match holder the pocket formed in the shape of a shield and punch-decorated in a stars and stripes pattern. The pocket is surmounted by a punch-decorated American eagle underneath the motto “In God We Trust”. This motto was adopted in 1863 as a subtle government reminder during the Civil War that God was on the side of the Union troops fighting to end the evil of slavery. The backplate has a punchwork border and also a hole for hanging.

Origin: America, ca. 1860s. Condition: excellent, all original, nice patina. Size: 3-15/16” x 2-1/2” x 5/8” deep.

Handsome Victorian 10K yellow gold ring in the form of two lion’s claws grasping a large old European cut garnet. The detail in the setting is excellent and the gold has a slightly rosy tint that contrasts nicely with the red stone. The garnet has a lively red color and excellent clarity. The inside of the shank has a pair of monograms. Tested and guaranteed 10K gold.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: very good, sharp detail, slight wear to two prongs, but the stone is secure. Ring Size: 9-3/4. Approximate Gemstone Weight: 1.22 carats.

Lovely pair of sterling silver short candlesticks, the sockets with an engraved design and flaring outline suggestive of a tulip blossom. The design has a nice Art Deco feel and is really much more interesting than the typical short candlesticks of this type. The bottoms are marked “Sterling” but have no maker’s mark.

Origin: America, ca. 1950. Condition: excellent, the bottom edge of one stick has a few truly pinpoint-sized dings (not really visible except when upside down). Size: 4-3/8” tall; 3-1/2” diameter at base.

A handsome set of four sterling silver salt dips with cobalt blue glass liners. The silver walls are intricately pierced in the 18th century style and are raised on scrolled feet. The salts have fitted cobalt blue glass liners. The salts are fully hallmarked for Birmingham, 1934 and have an unidentified maker’s mark “WA” in a shield.

Origin: England, 1924. Condition: excellent, no dings, cracks or chips. Size: 2-3/16” x 1-11/16” x 1-1/4” tall. Silver Weight: 74.0 grams.

A superb pair of sterling silver footed baskets by Lambert & Co., one of the most highly-esteemed Victorian silversmiths in London (mentioned by Charles Dickens in his writings). The baskets are ornately pierced and rise on ornate scrolled foot collars. The rims are decorated classically with acanthus leaves and scrolls, but a hint of Art Noveau appears in tiny irises, chrysanthemums and forget-me-nots that are scattered along the rim. The swing handles are also pierced and heavily decorated with matching floral motifs. The baskets are ideal for small flower arrangements, nuts, candies, etc. These baskets are of the finest quality and are fully hallmarked for London, 1908-09, and with the maker’s mark for Lambert & Co. as well as the company’s retail shop at 12 Coventry St.

Origin: England, 1907-08. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no dings or monograms. Size: 5-1/2” diameter; 5-1/2” tall. Weight: 507.0 grams.

Handsome 14K yellow gold and sterling silver brooch signed by David Yurman. The center hexagon is set with a hematite cabochon above a collet-set round brilliant-cut pink sapphire, and is flanked with by rope-twist extensions highlighted with 14K gold banding. The back is signed “D. Yurman 14K Sterling”.

Origin: America, ca. 1995. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 3-5/16” x 1”. Weight: 16.0 grams. Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: hematite, 13.36 carats; pink sapphire, .2 carat.

A lovely 14K yellow gold round brooch featuring a reverse-carved intaglio of a marlin or swordfish. The fish, recently hooked, is pictured leaping high above the waves. The crystal is nicely painted and retains its bright coloring. The crystal is set in a sunburst frame. Essex crystals first became popular during the Victorian era and usually featured sporting animals such as horses, foxes and fish, or domestic pets. They continued to be popular through the Edwardian period, but few were made after World War II. The back of the pin is marked “14K” and has the maker’s name “Crossroads”.

Origin: America, ca. 1940s. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 1-7/32” diameter. Weight: 8.5 grams.

A lovely footed sterling silver salver in the George III style. The salver is perfect for use as a wine coaster, as the size will accomodate a magnum or a champagne bottle. The scalloped stepped border is elegantly decorated with acanthus leaves and gadrooning. The shell-shaped feet are flanked by acanthus leaf returns. Marcus & Co. was one of the most exclusive jewelers in America and was one of the few companies to give Tiffany any serious competition. They did not make their own silver, but retailed high-end makers such as Gorham, Frank Smith, Whiting, etc. The bottom is marked with Marcus’ retail mark, “Sterling” and the pattern number 1928.

Origin: America, 1918-27. Condition: excellent, normal wear and some staining on surface (could be buffed), sharp details, no dings or monograms. Size: 7-7/8” diameter; 1-1/16” high. Weight: 296.0 grams.

A very fine Edo period Japanese mixed-metal brooch depicting a crane standing underneath flowering cherry trees alongside a rushing stream. The gold and silver details glisten against the coppery background. The back retains the original extended pinstem and c-clasp.

This type of work, sometimes mistakenly called “shakudo”, derives from the decorations used for samurai armor. After the demise of the samurai system in the 19th century, artisans who made mixed-metal decorations for armor turned to jewelry-making. These pieces became very popular in Europe and America when Japan was opened to trade.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1865. Size: 1” x 1-1/8”.

A handsome Chinese export porcelain shallow bowl decorated in blue and orange enamels with gilt highlights. This pattern, distinguished by gilt stars against a dark blue background, was made for the American market was not very common. The blue border is pierced by reserves, some of which are decorated with gilt floral sprigs that echo the floral decoration in the bowl’s center. The wide border is flanked with orange and gilt lines and the rim is finished with a Greek key border. The outer rim is decorated with a narrow blue band covered with gilt stars. The overall shape is typically 18th century.

Origin: China, ca. 1780. Condition: good, a very tight hairline visible from the back, a couple of rubs to the enamel from being in a plate stand. Size: 9-1/2” diameter; 1-9/16” high.

A handsome dress set comprising a pair of cufflinks and three shirt studs. The 14K yellow gold faces have geometric decoration and feature bead-set round brilliant-cut diamonds. The diamonds are estimated at SI2 clarity and J-K color. Those in the studs are approximately 1/4 carat each, and those in the cufflinks are approximately 1/8 carat each. The studs have a spring mechanism and the cufflinks have toggle backs. Each piece is marked “14K.”

Origin: America, ca. 1980. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: cufflinks, 5/8” x 17/32”; studs, 5/16” x 5/16”. Approximate Total Diamond Weight: 1.0 carat. Weight: 16.0 grams.

A lovely Chinese export porcelain plate, the center decorated with a court scene depicting nobles welcoming a visitor bearing a staff and basket of fruit. The scene is very nicely enameled in the famille rose palette. The border is decorated in a trellis pattern in green enamels—a most unusual treatment for a Mandarin plate. The inner and outer borders are highlighted with gilding.

Origin: China, ca. 1850. Condition: excellent, two exceedingly tight hairlines (perhaps limited to only the glaze) visible only on the back. Size: 10” diameter; 1-3/16” deep.

Fabulous Art Deco 18K yellow gold box, the lid decorated with opaque red and black champlevé enamels depicting a roulette wheel. A black enamel linear pattern and fan motifs at the corners complete the very Deco design. The can be used to hold either cash or mother of pearl gambling counters. For those who are curious, the case perfectly fits $2,500 in $100 bills folded in half. The superb workmanship shows, not only in the enameling, but in the solid construction techniques such as attaching the lid with a full piano hinge for extra security. The inner lip and thumbpiece are hallmarked with the “tete d’aigle” mark in a hexagonal reserve used on French enameled 18K gold. There is also an unidentified goldsmith’s mark.

Origin: France, ca. 1920. Condition: excellent, no monogram, no enamel damage, a pinpoint ding on the bottom side of the case. Size: 3-7/16” x 2-13/16” x 3/8”. Weight: 142.5 grams (4.582 troy ounces).

A lovely brooch in 14K yellow gold set with 19 Mikimoto-quality cultured pearls. The 4mm pearls have cream body color with rosy overtones. The luster is excellent. The back is marked “K14”.

Origin: America, ca. 1980. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 2-15/16” x 1-1/4”. Weight: 7.0 grams.

A fine Victorian 14K gold stick pin in the form of a sword. The ornate hilt is bead-set with seed pearls and old European cut emeralds. The emeralds are of very fine quality, with excellent color. The back has a small bale that can be attached to a safety pin and chain, if desired. Tested and guaranteed 14K gold.

Ca. 1890. Condition: excellent. Size: hilt, 7/8” x 3/4"; overall length, 2-5/8”. Weight: 2.5 grams. Approximate Total Emerald Weight: .2 carat.

A very nice sterling silver sardine fork by the Campbell-Metcalf Silver Company. Originally intended to serve sardines—a Victorian luxury food—the fork could now be used for various hors d’oeuvres, cheeses, etc. The design is clearly based on Scandinavian motifs that later showed up in the work of Georg Jensen and other European makers. In some ways it is similar to Jensen’s 1913 “Rose” pattern. Campbell-Metcalf was in business for only six years during the last decade of the 19th century. The back is hallmarked.

Origin: America, 1892-98. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monograms. Size: 5-7/8” long. Weight: 22.5 grams.

A set of eight sterling silver fruit spoons in Gorham’s elegant 1910 “Buckingham” pattern. The handle is bordered by a series of intertwined scrolls before terminating in an acanthus leaf motif. The backs of the handles have decoration mirroring the fronts. The pattern is extremely similar to “Chantilly” and could easily be used with a Chantilly service. The backs are marked with Gorham’s early 20th century hallmarks.

Origin: America, ca. 1910. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monograms. Size: 5-25/32” long. Weight: 251.0 grams.

An elegant set of 12 sterling silver oyster forks in Dominick & Haff’s desirable 1880 “Kings” pattern. The handles are decorated in the Georgian style with scroll, acanthus and shell motifs. The backs are decorated to match the fronts. The tines are heavier than most cocktail/seafood forks. The backs are stamped with Dominick & Haff’s hallmark.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monograms. Size: 5-5/16” long. Weight: 231.0 grams.

Exquisite pierced sterling silver bride’s basket vase by Frank W. Smith. The basket flares out from a narrow base decorated with scrolling acanthus leaves. The sides are decorated with an intricate pierced motif and the upper border repeats the decoration at the foot. The handles is pierced and heavily decorated with scrolls and foliate designs that elaborate on the simpler foot and lip rims. The basket retains its original silverplate liner. Frank Smith was known for very high quality and superior materials. U.S. embassies used one of his flatware patterns for official diplomatic dinners. The bottom has Smith’s older hallmark, the retailer’s mark “Mermod & Jaccard” (St. Louis), “Sterling”, and the pattern number 2214.

Origin: America, 1892-1904. Condition: excellent, normal wear to plating of liner, no monogram. Size: 9-1/4” tall; 7-1/2” wide. Weight (without liner): 270.0 grams.

A wonderful set of 10 sterling silver egg spoons in Tiffany’s rare 1872 “Vine” pattern in the “Wild Rose” variant. “Vine” was made in several variations, all of which depicted flowers and fruit that grown on vines. The elongated rounded bowls nicely complement the wavy handles decorated with sinuous wild rose vines. The backs are fully marked with Tiffany marks used 1875-91.

Origin: America, ca. 1880. Condition: excellent, very sharp detail, no monograms. Size: 4-1/16” long. Weight: 107.5 grams.

A beautiful 14K yellow gold floral pin by Tiffany & Co. Pointed, swirled petals surround a central diamond and blue sapphire cluster. The prong-set, brilliant-cut stones have excellent bright color and clarity as expected of Tiffany. This brooch is an excellent example of the sort of stylized floral gem-set designed that Tiffany produced for daywear toward the end of the retro period and in the very early 1950s. The back is marked “14K” and “Tiffany & Co.”

Origin: America, ca. 1950. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 1-11/16” x 1-3/4”. Weight: 9.0 grams. Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: diamond, .05 carat; sapphire, .28 carat.

PLEASE NOTE: We are also offering the matching earclips (Item #490782).

Fabulous 19th century sterling silver christening cup by Whiting Manufacturing Company--one of the America's most sophisticated silver companies. The entire surface is covered with repousse decoration of roses, lilies, and philodendron leaves. A reserve, just opposite the handle, is engraved "Lily". Cups such as these were used as presentation gifts for babies when they were christened. Most often, they were given by the godparents. Obviously, this particular cup was chosen because of the link between the child's name and the design that incorporates lily blossoms! The bottom is stamped with Whiting's hallmark.

Origin: America, ca. 1870. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no dings, period engraved "Lily". Size: 2-7/8" tall. Weight: 90.0 grams.

Elegant Retro 18K yellow and white gold brooch in the form of a phoenix--the mythological bird that arises from the ashes. The wings are beautifully formed from ribbons of gold that give the effect of trailing plumage. The body and crested head are fashioned from white gold and are pavé-set with 55 rose-cut diamonds. The white gold not only highlights the diamonds, but also provides a nice contrast with the yellow gold feathers. The eye represented by a brilliant-cut ruby. The brooch has nice depth and flow to the design. The back is stamped with French "tête d'aigle" 18K gold hallmarks, and with an unidentified maker's mark. The back retains the original pinstem and trombone clasp.

Origin: France, ca. 1940. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 2-7/8" x 1-7/8". Weight: 21.0 grams. Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: diamond, 1.1 carats; ruby, .05 carat.

19th century aneroid desk barometer in a stunning ivory case raised on a turned pedestal and surmounted with a carved ivory bust depicting a young farm maiden. The carving is superbly done, with great attention to the girl's hair and 18th century-style lace-trimmed bonnet. Her face is charming. The ivory has a beautiful yellowed patina that has not been cleaned. The enameled dial is in French, but there is no maker's mark visible. This is the finest desk barometer we've ever seen.

Origin: France, ca. 1830. Condition: excellent, expected splitting to ivory on the back, original patina. Size: 7-1/4" tall; 3-1/2" dial diameter.

Beautiful 14K yellow gold and cultured pearl brooch by Mikimoto. The swirling gold frame is punctuated with very high quality pearls post-set pearls and can be worn either horizontally or vertically. The pearls have superb lustre and Mikimoto's classic ivory color with rose overtones. The sizes range from 5 to 7mm. The back is stamped with Mikimoto's hallmark.

Origin: Japan, ca. 1980. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 1-15/16" x 1-3/8". Weight: 10.0 grams.

A lovely set of six sterling silver strawberry forks in Lunt’s 1893 “Navarre” pattern. This pattern was actually developed by A. F. Towle & Sons, which eventually was purchased by Lunt Silversmiths. The handles are beautifully decorated in an asymmetric pattern of volutes, acanthus leaves and flowers. The slightly splayed double tines retain their original matte gilding. The backs are marked with the A.F. Towle hallmark and the retailer’s mark “G. Frank”.

Origin: America, ca. 1895. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, original gilding, no monograms. Size: 4-25/32” long. Weight: 52.0 grams.

A handsome Imperial Russian medium-size hammered brass oval tray with cast brass handles. A tray of this size would probably have been used to serve vodka, and could still be used as a cordial tray or even on a buffet table. One end is stamped with the maker’s name and the Imperial Romanov double eagle warrant. The handles are attached with copper rivets and are cast in a ropetwist design.

Origin: Russia, last quarter 19th century. Condition: excellent, no dings, untouched patina, wear to the Imperial warrant. Size: 14-1/4” x 7-3/8” x 1/2”.

Nice 6” plate in the “Horse Chestnut” pattern by Dedham Pottery. The crackling is very even and the blue is strong. The back has both the ink stamp and the incised rabbit mark.

Origin: America, 1896-1928. Condition: a hairline is visible on the back; a ¼” nick on the rim. Size: 6” diameter.

An elegant two-piece English sterling silver serving set. The set is presented in its original fitted box lined with gorgeous royal purple silk and velvet. The spade-like utensil is similar to a typical Victorian tomato server, while the fork is shaped like a tablespoon, but with tines. The set is very versatile and could be used for many contemporary foods. The handles are decorated with a simple fiddle-shaped pattern that must have been very modern following on the heels of Victorian excess. The backs are fully hallmarked for London, 1913-14, and also have an unidentified maker’s mark “GJ over DF” in a shield-shaped punch.

Origin: England, 1913-14. Condition: near mint, no dings or deep scratches, no monograms. Size: 7-1/2” long. Weight: 101.0 grams.

Nice Art Deco brass cocktail shaker in the form of a wine bottle. The bottle separates at the shoulders to reveal the strainer and the lip of the bottle removes for pouring. The bottom of the shaker is indented just as a glass wine bottle is. We’ve had many figural cocktail shakers, but this is the first bottle we’ve had.

Origin: probably America, ca. 1935. Condition: untouched patina, a couple of ding nears the bottom edge and another at the shoulder. Size: 3” diameter; 12” tall.

Rare hammered brass three-handled loving cup or wedding cup from Russia's Imperial era. The tapering form is nicely accented with forged strap handles attached to the sides with copper rivets. The bottom is stamped with the Imperial Romanov double eagle and the maker's name.

Origin: Russia, ca. 1880. Condition: excellent, no polishing. Size: 4" tall.

Nice 6” plate in the “Horse Chestnut” pattern by Dedham Pottery. The crackling is very even and the blue has medium intensity. The back has both the ink stamp and the incised rabbit mark.

Origin: America, 1896-1928. Condition: a hairline visible on the back; a few small roughnesses along the edges from plate hangers. Size: 6” diameter.

A remarkable sterling silver bonbon spoon by Watson. The detail is easily equivalent to work by Tiffany, Whiting or the other great Victorian silversmiths. The bowl is decorated fully with grape leaves, clusters of fruit, and delicate tendrils finished with intricate piercing. The handle, designed as knarled grape vine, widens into a large cluster of fruit surrounded with foliage at the tip of the handle. The back of the handle is also decorated to match. The back is marked with Watson’s old hallmark.

Origin: America, ca. 1905. Condition: excellent, all original, sharp detail. Size: 6-3/8” long. Weight: 64.0 grams.

A very rare set of four earthenware plates by Choisy-le-Roi depicting architectural landmarks in Paris during the Empire period. Three of the plates depict theatres--a very popular pasttime for the upper classes during the Directorate, Consulate and Empire periods. One scene is entitled "Théâtre de l'Impératrive" and shows the theatre now know as l'Odéon. Another is entitled "Théâtre Italien" and a third is entitled "Théâtre Feydeau"--both of which were noted for operatic performances and both of which played important political roles during the Napoleonic era. The fourth plate depicts "La Bourse de Paris", another one of the architectural landmarks left behind by Napoleon. The twelve-sided plates are bordered with an impressed laurel wreath pattern highlighted with brownish-black lines. These are among the most interesting of the Choisy plates from this era. The backs have impressed Choisy marks.

Origin: France, ca. 1815. Condition: excellent, no cracks or chips, very light knife wear to glaze. Size: 8-5/16" diameter.

An amusing late Victorian brooch fashioned as two crossed golf clubs. The shafts are worked in 18K yellow gold, while the heads are made in platinum. A small pearl, representing a golf ball rests against each club. Sporting jewelry is quite desirable, and golf-related pieces are particularly rare. The back retains the original pinstem and c-clasp. Stamped with French hallmarks.

Origin: France, ca. 1895. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: 1-3/4” x 3/8”. Weight: 2.0 grams.

A very nice Art Deco scarab bracelet set in silver. Three glass scarabs alternate with pierced silver sunbursts set with marcasites. The sparkle of the marcasites is a nice foil for the heaviness of the scarabs. Scarab jewelry became popular after the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in the 1920s. The back is marked “Sterling”.

Origin: America, ca. 1930. Condition: excellent. Size: 7-1/4” long.

Stunning platinum and diamond earrings in the "stile guirland" or "garland style" developed in Paris by Cartier, but first made fashionable by Queen Alexandra of England. Each earring is composed of a floral motif surmount, suspending a bow, suspending a wreath circled about another floral motif, suspending a teardrop. Each earring is fully articulated, so that all the parts move independently with the slightest movement. Each earring contains 51 round brilliant-cut diamonds of very fine color and clarity. The larger stones are collet-set, while the smaller stones are bead-set. The platinum setting is very finely millegrained. The backs are marked "PT900".

Origin: American, circa 1980. Condition: excellent; the posts are original and the clutches are 18 karat white gold replacements (a normal occurence, since clutches tend to wear out or get lost easily). Size: 2" long. Weight: 18.75 grams. Approximate Total Diamond Weight: 2.5 carats.

A fine pair of Victorian 18K yellow gold tassel earrings. The foxtail chains are suspended from bell-shaped surmounts with bands of engraved decoration and applied flowers worked in rose and green gold. Each foxtail chain ends in a small gold sphere. The earrings have an elegant look, without being too heavy for comfortable wear. The surmounts are marked with French “tete d’aigle” hallmarks for 18K gold.

Origin: France, ca. 1860. Condition: excellent, wires are replacements. Size: 1-3/8” long. Weight: 5.5 grams.