Catalog: Antiques: Decorative Art: Metals: Silver: Sterling (178)

Terrific pair of sterling silver sugar tongs dating to the reign of George III. The design (made by cutting reflective facets in the silver) is very nicely executed on this quality piece, and unlike many Georgian tongs, these are quite heavy.

The tongs are marked with the lion passant and the script hallmark "GS" for George Smith, entered in London in 1782. Since the tongs bear no other marks, they were probably made to order and the duty was never paid.

No monogram and in excellent condition. 5-5/8" long.

Superb Georgian sterling silver swing-handle basket. The bottom of the basket is formed of a silver sheet stamped and pierced in an intricate grapevine motif. The sides, constructed of interwoven silver wire, rise from the base and are decorated with grape cluster appliqués. The rim suggests grape vines, as well. The swing handle is decorated at the top with another cluster of grapes and foliage. The whole is raised on acanthus leaf feet. The inside of the handle is hallmarked for Edinburgh, Scotland, 1795. The sovereign’s head duty mark is stamped, but there is no maker’s hallmark, suggesting perhaps that the basket was a commissioned piece. In its time, the basket would have been used for serving sweets or small fruits. The design was very fashionable the piece is well-executed, making it a choice piece of Scottish Georgian silver.

Origin: Scotland, 1795. Condition: excellent, very sharp detail, no dings, no monograms, all original. Size: 8-3/4” x 7-1/4” x 6-3/4” tall to top of handle. Weight: 398.0 grams.

A phenomenal and extremely rare George III sterling silver footed wine bottle or decanter coaster retaining its original ruby glass liner. Bottle or decanter coasters of the period are typically formed as simple round collars over turned wooden bases, perhaps enhanced with a bit of engraving or a border. This example is much finer than most others, with its ornately hand-sawn pierced gallery and undulating rim, the whole raised on tall volute feet with scrolled terminals and acanthus leaf capitals. Laurel wreath swags complete the design. The stand is finished with a blown ruby glass liner, precisely cut to fit the silver (it aligns with the silver only if placed exactly correctly). The pierced gallery has a small reserve that appears never to have been engraved. The silver is fully hallmarked for London, 1774-75. As was the practice, the hallmarks were applied before the decoration was complete, and when the piercing was performed, the maker's mark and duty mark were obliterated. Only the edges of those two punches are visible amongst the piercing.

Origin: England, 1774-75. Condition: excellent, all original, no repairs, a few tiny fleabites on the rim of the glass liner. Size: 5-3/8" diameter; 4-1/2" high. Silver Weight: 322.0 grams.

Gilt George III sterling silver serving spoon with gadrooned edges and a beautifully scalloped bowl. Spoons that are completely gilt are quite rare. The reverse is hallmarked for London, 1784. The maker’s mark is barely visible and is illegible.

Condition: excellent, no monogram. Size: 8-7/8” long.

A classic George III sterling silver wine coaster, the bombe sides with egg and dart decoration and the rim with gadrooning. The decoration is finely crafted. The turned wood base is centered with a silver escutcheon bearing an unidentified coat of arms (dancetty with three swords points down) impaling that of Ashby (ermine chevron and three leopard’s heads) tied with a ribbon. The coaster is clearly stamped with hallmarks for London and the second George III duty mark (1786-1821). The maker’s mark is rubbed, but consists of two pairs of initials, the lower pair being “CB”. The year mark is also illegible. Stylistically, the coaster most likely dates to slightly before or during the early part of the Regency Period (1811-1921). The bottom retains its original green baize fabric.

Origin: England, ca. 1810. Condition: excellent, no dings or cracking. Size: 6-1/4” diameter; 1-3/4” high.

A pair of sterling silver berry spoons of the finest quality dating to the reign of George III. The quality of the repousse and bright cut decoration is beyond compare. The design of the bowl includes cherries, applies, pomegranates and foliage. The backs are clearly hallmarked for London, 1800 and for the maker Thomas Wallis. Excellent condition; no monograms or removals. 9" long.

English sterling silver berry spoon dating from the reign of George III. The lobed bowl is decorated with repousse apples, berries and foliage; the handle with bright cut engraving, both added later in the 19th century. (We are also offering another berry spoon by a different silversmith and with a slightly different shape, but with identical decoration. Certainly the two spoons were decorated by the same engraver and repousser.) No monograms or removals. The reverse is clearly hallmarked for London, 1812 and the maker's mark "IL" is possibly that of James Lloyd. Excellent condition; the vermeil bowl has faded to a faint lemon color. 8-5/8" long.

English sterling silver berry spoon dating from the reign of George III. The lobed bowl is decorated with repousse apples, berries and foliage; the handle with bright cut engraving, both added later in the 19th century. (We are also offering another berry spoon by a different silversmith and with a slightly different shape, but with identical decoration. Certainly the two spoons were decorated by the same engraver and repousser.) No monograms or removals. The reverse is clearly hallmarked for London, 1811 and an unidentified maker "SA". Excellent condition; the vermeil bowl has faded to a faint lemon color. 8-1/2" long.

A fine pair of sterling silver sugar tongs in the classic “Kings” pattern. The design is very nicely worked and the tongs are generously sized. The inside of the tongs are fully hallmarked for London, 1837. They also bear the William IV duty mark. This mark, used in conjunction with the 1837 date mark, was used for only 22 days before being changed to the Victoria duty mark. The maker’s mark is that of either William Barber or William Barrett II.

Origin: England, 1837. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monogram. Size: 6” long. Weight: 59.0 grams.

A handsome pair of sterling silver sugar tongs from the reign of King William IV. The sides are decorated in a classical late Georgian shell and thread motif. The quality is very fine. The interior have pristine hallmarks for London, 1834-35, and the maker’s mark for William Eaton.

Origin: England, 1834-35. Condition: nearly mint, no monogram, sharp detail. Size: 6-1/8” long. Weight: 69.5 grams.

Very unusual Victorian sterling silver grapefruit spoon with a wonderful plique-a-jour enamel assymetrical handle decorated in six shades of translucent enamel. It is quite unusual for plique-a-jour enamel to have been used on a grapefruit spoon, as it was so fragile that it was usually reserved for more delicate pieces like demitasse spoons. The back is marked with Imperial Austrian marks in use 1866-1922.

Origin: Austria, ca. 1880. Condition: excellent, no enamel damage, original gilding. Size: 5” long.

Outstanding sterling silver sardine fork with a fabulous Art Nouveau pattern of Oriental poppies and foliage. Both the front and back are beautifully detailed. The tines are lightly matte gilt. The back is stamped with the hallmark for the Baker Manchester Silver Co. (Providence, RI), a company famous for its ornate serving pieces.

Origin: America, circa 1900. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monogram. Size: 5-1/4" long.

A very handsome sterling silver gravy ladle in John R. Wendt’s “Medallion” pattern. Wendt’s version was one of the earliest designs to use classical profiles as the primary decorative element. The medallion, depicting the goddess Pallas Athena, is supported by a reeded stem that leads to the oval bowl with flared edges. The back is stamped with the retailer’s mark for D. H. Buell & Co., and with the “925” that is often found on early Wendt pieces.

Origin: America, ca. 1865. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monogram, no dings. Size: 7-3/8” long. Weight: 76.5 grams.

A fine Victorian sterling silver sugar sifter with a medallion handle, possibly by George Sharp. Rather than the usual relief medallion, the handle features an applied medallion of considerable depth and detail looking straight forward. The medallion is surrounded ornate engraving that extends the full length of the handle. The engraving, as well as the overall outline of the handle, are very similar to known George Sharp patterns. Sugar sifters were used in the 19th century to break apart large pieces of sugar. Today, it could be used to serve vegetables or anything else that might need to be drained. The back is marked “Sterling” but does not have a maker’s mark.

Origin: America, ca. 1870. Condition: excellent, all original, no monogram. Size: 8-1/8” long. Weight: 76.0 grams.

Very fine ornate sterling silver server for either fish or ice cream. The handle is covered with a pattern of hibiscus flowers and swirling foliage. The floral element is echoed in the beautifully engraved floral pattern on the blade. The blade is finished off with a very ornate outline. Many American silversmiths did not mark their names until the early 20th century, and the back is marked only "Sterling."

Origin: America, ca. 1885. Condition: excellent, very sharp details, no monogram. Size: 11-3/8" long. Weight: 96.0 grams.

Lovely sterling silver lettuce fork in Whiting's 1896 "Dresden" pattern. The ornate design of flowers and shells compliments the elegant shape of the piece.

Iceberg lettuce, developed at the end of the 19th century, was the first leafy vegetable that would keep long enough to be transported from farms to larger cities. Consequently, lettuce was a very elegant and costly food at formal dinners.

Origin: America, c. 1900. Condition: excellent, no monogram. Size: 9-1/4".

A rare sterling silver pickle fork in Towle’s 1887 “Pomona” pattern. The long handle is decorated with a cornucopia overflowing with peaches, pears and grapes amidst foliage. The handle twists before leading into the matte gild three-tined fork. This piece would have been used for pickled vegetables, but could now be used for a variety of foods. The long size is much more difficult to find than the shorter version. The back is stamped with Towle’s hallmark and the patent date.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, original gilding, period two-letter monogram. Size: 9” long. Weight: 28.0 grams.

A lovely Victorian sterling silver sugar sifter in Whiting’s 1882 “Antique Lily Engraved” pattern. The simply-shaped handle is decorated with bright-cut engraving of foliage with a spray of lilies-of-the-valley cascading across the end. The bowl is matte gilt and pierced in a pleasant design that does not compete with the restrained decoration of the handle. Sugar sifters were used to sprinkle sugar over fruit during the dessert service, and are not terribly common. The reverse has a period inscription, “Wade”, and is stamped with Whiting’s hallmark.

Origin: America, ca. 1885. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, gilding intact. Size: 5-7/8” long. Weight: 25.0 grams.

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.

A lovely set of twelve sterling silver demitasse spoons presented in their original fitted velvet and silk box. The design features a scroll of acanthus leaves along the stem with an asymmetrical shell at the handle. The backs are stamped “Sterling” (prior to 1915), American silver was not required to bear a maker’s mark. The pattern is nearly identical to Knowles’ “King” pattern. The spoons are presented in their original velvet and silk fitted box from Hamilton & Diesinger of Philadelphia (1895-1900).

• Origin: America, ca. 1895
• Condition: spoons are excellent except one which has a tiny ding right at the tip of the bowl; sharp detail; no monogram; box is functional, but has significant wear. One of the 2 latches is broken at the top of the latch.
• Dimensions: spoons, 3-7/16” long
• Weight: 77.2 grams

A lovely set of twelve sterling silver demitasse spoons by Whiting. This pattern, probably referred to as “39”, was most likely only made as demitasse spoons. Whiting produced a number of patterns in the 1880s and 90s that were limited in this way. The handles, beautifully decorated with a pierced pattern of lilies of the valley, blend into corkscrew twist stems that connect to bowls enhanced with repousse decoration of chrysanthemums. Exactly what chrysanthemums and lilies of the valley have to do with each other is not clear, but the design certainly works from an aesthetic point of view! The bowls are highly polished, but the flowers on the handle have a matte surface that really highlights the floral details and adds to the realistic appearance. The backs are marked with Whiting’s earlier hallmark, the pattern number 39, and “Sterling”. The spoons are presented in their original fitted box covered in lilac velvet and silk.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, no monograms. Size: 4-1/16” long. Weight: 115.0 grams.

An extremely rare sterling silver ladle for serving warm alcohol-based punch. The globe-form bowl is the traditional shape for toddy ladles. Today, the ladle could be used for various sauces or beverages such as egg nog—or even a toddy! The straight handle is ornamented with simple turnings before swelling to an olive-shaped terminal decorated with bright-cut floral engraving. The back of the terminal has a period three-letter monogram engraved in a matching style. The inner and outer surfaces of the bowl are heavily stippled and gilt. The back of the handle bears the retailer’s mark “J E Caldwell”. The style indicates this is an early piece of sterling, probably made just after the sterling standard was introduced in America by Tiffany.

Origin: America, ca. 1865. Condition: excellent, all original gilding. Size: 8-3/4” long. Weight: 113.0 grams.

An elegant sterling silver soup ladle in Whiting’s 1890 “Old King” pattern. The shell and acanthus leaf design elements of the handle appeared in many flatware variations since the Georgian era, and has become an established classic for its restrained elegance. The bowl is parcel gilt for nice contrast. The back of the ladle is stamped with the retailer’s mark for Theodore B. Starr. Starr had agreements with several major silversmiths who provided the store with fine silver to which they applied the retailer’s mark rather than the manufacturer’s.

Origin: America, ca. 1895. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, light fading to the original gilding, no monogram. Size: 13-/4” long. Weight: 218.0 grams.

A set of six sterling silver demitasse or coffee spoons in Gorham's early (1870) "Swiss" pattern. The design is similar to Gorham's other early sterling patterns, with a decidedly classical decoration of anthemion leaves. The bowls have a matte finish which contrasts nicely with the handles. The backs are engraved with a period 3-letter monogram "LBE". The backs are marked with Gorham's early hallmarks.

Origin: America, circa 1870. Condition: excellent, no dings, sharp detail. Size: 4-9/32" long.

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 nice sterling silver long pickle/olive fork in the "Nautilus" pattern by Blackinton. The handle is ornately decorated with floral and shell motifs. The tines are parcel matte gilt and have foliate decoration at the shoulders to match the handle. The handle is monogrammed "L" on the front and has the date "[18]98" on the back.

Origin: America, 1898. Condition: excellent, original gilding intact, sharp detail. Size: 6-7/8" long. Weight: 14.0 grams.

Very handsome and heavy sterling silver master salt dish in the Georgian style. The flattened spherical body has a modified egg and dart border and is raised on acanthus leaf legs terminating in animal paw feet. Goodnow & Jenks was Boston's finest silversmith, albeit only for a short period, 1893-1905. The bottom is marked with the maker's mark, as well as a partially obscured retailer's mark.

Origin: America, ca. 1895. Condition: no dings or deep scratches, light pitting to the interior that can be removed by a light buffing. Size: 2-3/4" diameter; 1-5/8" tall. Weight: 73.5 grams.

A phenomenal Victorian sterling silver cheese scoop in Whiting’s “No. 26” pattern. The tip of the handle features a gorgeous full-blown peony blossom and bud. The twist stem leads to the deeply curled bowl. “No. 26” is an extremely rare pattern. It is always very finely made and exceptionally heavy, even by Whiting’s standards. The pattern is a multi-motif design, so each piece has a slightly different, but related, decoration on the handle. The back is marked with Whiting’s old hallmark and the pattern number.

Cheese scoops were used to serve blue or soft cheeses. The implement insured that the diner could have a quality serving from deep inside the cheese, rather than just a slice off the less desirable outer surface of the cheese.

Origin: Ameica, ca. 1895. Condition: excellent, the original gilding on the bowl has faded to a very pale lemony yellow, sharp detail, original 3-letter monogram. Size: 8-9/16” long. Weight: 73.0 grams.

Outstanding and rare Victorian sterling silver berry or casserole spoon by Gorham in the 1885 "Nightingale" pattern. The design uses bright-cut engraving to show a nightingale amid foliage singing to a crescent moon (just visible i the upper left side of the design). The bowl is equally well-designed with bright-cut engraving, ribbing, and swirled edges. The surface has its original matte finish that contrasts nicely with the engraving. The handle is engraved with the name "Robina", leading to the assumption that the original owner may have chosen this piece because the bird looks much like a robin. The back is stamped with an early Gorham hallmark.

Origin: America, ca 1885. Condition: near mint, a miniscule pinpoint ding in the bowl. Size: 8-1/2" long. Weight: 64.5 grams.

John C. Moore period Tiffany & Co. sterling silver child's fork decorated with the nursery rhyme "Cock Robin & Jenny Wren." The fork shows the likeness of Mr. Robin wearing a tuxedo and Ms. Wren demurely peeking over her fan. The back is marked "Tiffany & Co. Sterling". The back also bears the letter M designating manufacture between the years 1875 and 1891.

Condition: excellent; usual wear to outer tines; no monogram. Size: 6-1/4" long.

An oustanding sterling silver centerpiece basket by Gorham. The sides and handle are decorated with extremely ornate bright-cut engraving in a swirling foliate pattern. The motif is repeated to great effect in the gilt feet that raise up the basket. The intersection of the handle and feet is finished with an applied classical lion mask. The surfaces are finished in an acid-finished matte texture. The reeded border and the feet are enhanced with matte gilding, while the interior is finished with highly polished gilding. The centerpiece is an excellent example of Gorham's work for an elite market in the years immediately following the Civil War. The bottom is stamped with Gorham's hallmark, the date mark for 1871, and with Gorham's retail location at Union Square in New York.

Origin: America, 1871. Condition: very good, the interior has some small dings and light wear to the gilding visible in raking light only when the centerpiece is empty. Weight: 737.0 grams. Size: 7-1/4" x 10-1/4" x 8-1/4" tall.

A very pretty sterling silver berry or casserole spoon by Durgin. The handle is nicely engraved in an ivy pattern, while the gilt bowl is engraved with a flock of butterflies. The back is stamped with Durgin's earliest hallmark.

Origin: America, ca. 1870. Condition: excellent, no monogram, sharp detail, gilding faded to pale lemon. Size: 9" long. Weight: 59.0 grams.

Very elegant Neoclassical sterling silver server, ideal for either pastry or fish. The handle is decorated simply with banded reeds and laurel boughs, and the pierced blade is decorated with engraved laurel boughs and acanthus leaves. The back of the blade is marked with the French export silver hallmarks for 1879.

Origin: France, circa 1879. Condition: excellent, sharp details, period monogram "RS" on back side of handle. Size: 10-3/4" long. Weight: app. 5.5 troy ounces.

Six elegant Victorian fruit or desert knives with mother of pearl handles and sterling silver ferules with triple-banded decoration in a vine motif. The scimitar-shaped blades are silverplate and are marked "A. Stinnells Co., Inc." American, circa 1890. Excellent condition; one blade has a very small spot of wear to the plating. 6" long.

Ornate Victorian sterling silver pie server by Gorham. The pattern is very similar to "Dresden", but is not an exact match. The handle is covered with various motifs, including shells, flowers, scrolls, and foliage. The bowl is very nicely scalloped and elegantly decorated with engraving to match the handle. The original gilding has faded to a soft lemon shade. Pie servers are not very common and are quite useful for all sorts of pie, pastries or cakes, or even tea sandwiches. The back is marked with one of the earlier Gorham hallmarks.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: very good, light wear to details on the handle, no monogram, original gilding intact. Size: 9” long. Weight: 74.0 grams.

A phenomenal Victorian sterling silver soup ladle in Whiting’s “No. 26” pattern. The top of the handle features incredibly detailed peony foliage. The twist stem leads to the fluted and scalloped bowl. At the junction of the bowl and stem, a full-blown peony blossom is delicately engraved into the silver. The bowl is parcel gilt. “No. 26” is an extremely rare pattern. It is always very finely made and exceptionally heavy, even by Whiting’s standards. The pattern is a multi-motif design, so each piece has a slightly different, but related, decoration on the handle. The back of the handle is engraved with the original owner’s name. The back is also marked with Whiting’s old hallmark and the pattern number.

Origin: America, ca. 1895. Condition: excellent, the original gilding is slightly faded. Size: 13” long. Weight: 210.0 grams.