Catalog: Antiques: Decorative Art: Metals: Silver (236)

An elegant sterling silver olive serving spoon in an unnamed floral pattern by Baker Manchester Silver Co. This maker was especially known for their elegant silver serving pieces instead of full flatware services. The Art Nouveau style is evidenced by the trio of fully-opened roses that decorated the tip and center of the curving handle. The design is repeated in the scalloped and pierced bowl, and is shown in reverse on the back side of the spoon. The bowl retains its original matte gilding. The back is hallmarked by Baker Manchester.

Origin: America, ca. 1905. Condition: excellent, sharp details, original gilding, no monogram. Size: 6-1/2" long. Weight: 14.5 grams.

A delightful sterling silver photograph frame intended to celebrate the arrival of a newborn. Designed by Lebkeucher & Co. (1896-1909), the frame is ornately decorated with storks, song birds and climbing roses. The top border has a reserve for engraving the baby’s name. The bottom border has a reserve for adding the birth date, a clock on which the time of birth can be engraved, and a scale on which the weight may be added. The frame retains its original black composition easel back. Frames of this type were created by other makers well into the 20th century, but very early examples of this quality and with absolutely no prior engraving are exceedingly uncommon. Lebkeucher was especially noted for its ornately engraved wares. The frame has the company’s hallmark and is stamped “Sterling 3187”.

Origin: America, 1896-1909. Condition: excellent, no dings, no monograms. Size: 4-3/8” x 5-3/4”; sight size, 2-7/8 x 4-3/16”. Silver Weight: 61.1 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 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.

Very nice Gorham sterling silver pin cushion/sewing box. The arched rim of the pierced silver holder has a slightly Gothic appearance. The silk velvet top lifts off to reveal an opening for storing thread, buttons, etc. The interior is lined with the original lime green silk. The bottom is stamped with Gorham's older hallmark.

Origin: America, circa 1900. Condition: silver is excellent, the velvet covering shows the normal considerable wear. Size: 4-3/8" x 3-1/4" x 2-1/4" tall.

A classic sterling silver wine coaster with a turned mahogany base. The walls are simply decorated with vertical piercing and the front is engraved with the crest and motto of Scotland's Melville clan, an ancient family from whom author Herman Melville was descended. Tested and guaranteed sterling silver.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: very good, a few small dings to the underside of the bottom edge. Dimensions: 5" diameter; 1-1/2" tall.

Extremely rare sterling silver oyster ladle in the 1900 "Buttercup" pattern by Gorham. Oyster ladles are very difficult to find because they were only included with the most complete services. They were used to serve oyster stews. Today, they could also be used for soups or even for punch. The back of the handle is marked with Gorham's old hallmark and also with the patent date, indicating that this is an early example.

Origin: America, ca 1900. Condition: nearly mint, no monogram, no dings, sharp detail. Size: 10-3/4" long. Weight: 165.25 grams.

A superb Victorian Art Nouveau baby rattle, the handle carved from a large piece of mother-of-pearl and adorned on either side with a gorgeous Art Nouveau lady's head worked in sterling silver and finished with three silver bells. Although unsigned, the particulars of the design are very similar to a known Unger design. Marked "Sterling".

Origin: America, ca. 1895. Condition: excellent except for the bells which show considerable wear from a toothing child. Size: 4-1/2" long.

An elegant sterling silver pierced olive spoon with an ornately pierced gilt bowl and and the handle decorated with wild roses enclosed in a curving border. The back is marked “Sterling Pat. 1903”.

Origin: America, ca. 1903. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, original gilding intact, no monogram. Dimensions: 6-3/8” long. Weight: 13.4 grams.

A wonderful Art Nouveau sterling silver cracker scoop in Blackinton’s 1904 “Daisy” pattern. The handle, decorated with flowers and foliage, nicely accents the ruffled edge of the bowl. Cracker scoops were originally used to serve small crackers similar to today’s oyster crackers. Now, the piece could be used to serve a variety of foods. Blackinton made a small line of very good sterling silver flatware in the Art Nouveau style. All U.S. embassies worldwide use Blackinton flatware for formal occasions. The back is marked with Blackinton’s hallmark.

Origin: America, ca. 1905. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monogram. Size: 9-13/16” long. Weight: 133.0 grams.

Gilt sterling silver replica of the anointing spoon used for the coronation of English monarchs. The original spoon, dating from the 12th Century, is the oldest continuously used piece in the entire English royal regalia. The spoon is used to apply holy anointing oil onto the sovereign during his or her coronation. This replica commemorates the coronation of George V. The handle is stamped with the appropriate hallmarks for London, 1910 and the maker’s mark “CS/FS”.

Origin: London, England, 1910. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, original gilding. Size: 4-1/4” long. Weight: 12.0 grams.

Very heavy sterling silver soup ladle in Gorham's elegant 1901 "Florentine" pattern. The handle is decorated with a satyr mask surrounded by vines, dolphins, clusters of fruit, acanthus leaves and various other classical decorative elements. The design spills from the handle onto the back rim of the bowl. The back of the handle has complementary decoration. Hallmarked by Gorham and with the patent date, indicating an earlier date of manufacture.

Origin: America, ca. 1905. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no dings, no monogram. Size: 12-1/2" long. Weight: 262.0 grams.

A lovely set of six sterling silver demitasse spoons in the "Floral" pattern by Tiffany & Co. This lovely Victorian spoons feature a different old-fashioned flower on each handle. The tip of each handle is the flower blossom, while the neck is fashioned as the plant stem and foliage. The flowers represented are marigold, clover, daisy, iris, violet, and wild rose. The unusual elongated bowls are similar to those on egg spoons, and retain their original matte gilding. The backs are marked "Tiffany & Co. Stg."

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, sharp detail. Size: 4-1/16" long. Weight: 52.4 gr.

Elegant sterling silver bread fork, the handle decorated with beading and acanthus leaves. The decoration at the top of the curved tines repeats the motif of the handle. Bread forks are relatively uncommon and were used for serving various breads and rolls. The handle is marked by an unknown maker.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monogram. Size: 6-3/4” long. Weight: 23.0 grams.

Elegant sterling silver large berry spoon in Whiting's wonderful 1896 "Dresden" pattern. The handle is completely covered on both sides with a complex floral pattern against a lightly stippled background. The bowl has scalloped edges and an elegant repousse pattern. The original gilding on the bowl has faded to a faint lemony hue. The back is marked with Whiting's hallmark and "Pat. Apr. 28th 1896", indicating that this is an older piece.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, all original, no monogram. Size: 7-3/4" long. Weight: 50.5 grams.

Rare gilt sterling silver replica of the anointing spoon used for the coronation of English monarchs. The original spoon, dating from the 12th Century, is the oldest continuously used piece in the entire English royal regalia. The spoon is used to apply holy anointing oil onto the sovereign during his or her coronation. This replica commemorates the coronation of Queen Victoria’s son Edward VII. Most of these spoons are in the small demitasse or teaspoon size, this is the very rare life-size replica. Because of its size, it has wonderful details that the smaller versions just do not have. The back of the bowl is stamped with the appropriate hallmarks for London, 1901-02, and the maker’s mark “JW/FCW”. The back also has a later monogram “M.C.” dated 1916.

Origin: London, England, 1902. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, retains its original light lemony gilding. Size: 10” long. Weight: 96.5 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.

An uncommon silver tastevin, the bottom inset with a Mexican silver coin featuring the likeness of King Ferdinand VII of Spain, the last Spanish emperor to rule over Mexico. The coin is dated 1821, the year Mexico became independent of Spain. The tastevin is constructed in classic French style, with a coiled snake handle, but it lacks the embellishments usually seen on French examples. The bowl is simply decorated with a hammered surface. The tastevin probably dates to the reign of the Emperor Maximilian, who ruled Mexico’s Second Empire (1864-67). Maximilian was established as emperor by the French Emperor Napoleon III, and French decorative arts became very popular among the wealthy of Mexican society.

• Origin: Mexico, ca. 1864.
• Condition: excellent.
• Dimensions: 9 x 11.5 cm (3-9/16 x 4-9/16 in).
• Weight: 112.0 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.

An uncommon set of six nut picks, the mother of pearl handles attached to the silverplate picks with sterling silver ferules. The ferules are decorated with ropetwist borders flanking an ornate acanthus leaf pattern. In the Victorian era, fresh nuts would have been served alongside and cheese and fruit as a dessert course. The ferules are marked "Sterling".

Most sterling silver flatware services before 1900 had mother of pearl cutlery instead of knives that matched the rest of the service. Mother of pearl pieces such as a nut picks are considerable less common than knives.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, no plating loss. Size: 5-1/4".

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 fine sterling silver gravy ladle in the 1892 “Richelieu” patterns by Tiffany & Co. This is one of Tiffany’s great early patterns and is very sought after today. It is distinguished by shell motifs at the handle and pendant bellflowers that lead down the stem. The flattened bowl is elegantly gadrooned to match the scalloped edge. The back is marked with Tiffany’s hallmark in use 1891-1902.

Origin: America, ca. 1895. Condition: excellent, sharp details, no monogram. Size: 7-3/8” long. Weight: 83.5 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.

A very fine Victorian silver plated flip-top card case, both sides heavily decorated with nautical themes. The front features a scene of a sloop in roiling waves passing a lighthouse in the background. The scene is surrounded by a border of seashells and seaweed, and a bare-breasted mermaid watches from one of the lower corners. The back of the is decorated in a pattern of waterlilies and foliage. The detail in the design is superb--one can even just make out the stars and stripes of the ship's American flag. The case is fitted with two pairs of loops so is can be worn suspended from a heavy chain.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: some plating wear along the edge near one of the chain loops and an area of dings on the bottom edge; the design areas are all in excellent condition. Size: 2-2/1" x 3-3/4" x 3/8".

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".

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.

Superb American coin silver soup ladle, the bright-cut flared handle narrowing to a twist handle that leads to the deeply scalloped bowl. Twist handle pieces are especially desirable, particularly when combined with other outstanding decorative elements. The back is stamped with the mark for Farrington & Hunnewell, silversmiths who worked in Boston beginning in 1835.

Origin: America, ca. 1850. Condition: excellent, no monogram or monogram removal. Size: 11” long. Weight: 150.0 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.

Gorgeous sterling silver berry spoon in Durgin's 1891 "Watteau" pattern. The rococo design of the handle is wonderful on its own, but when combined with the decoration of the bowl, it's stunning! The back is hallmarked by Durgin.

Origin: America, ca. 1895. Condition: excellent, all original, period monograms on both the front and back. Size: 7-1/2" long.

A beautiful sterling silver berry or casserole spoon in Whiting's desirable 1896 "Dresden" pattern. The handle is decorated on both sides with sprays of roses. The matte gilt bowl is scalloped and decorated with repousse beading and volutes. The spoon is stamped with Whiting's hallmark and has the patent date indicating an early date of manufacture.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, original gilding intact, sharp detail, no monogram. Size: 8-3/4" long. Weight: 87.0 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.

Lovely pair of sterling silver sugar tongs with opaque turquoise and white enamel decoration. The quality of these tongs is apparent from the ornate and elegant piercing of the tips. Stamped on the inside “Sterling 1212” and hallmarked by the H. H. Curtis Co. (North Attleboro, MA, 1891-1915).

Origin: America, circa 1900. Condition: excellent, no missing enamel, no monogram, faint lemony gilding. Size: 3-1/4” long.

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.

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.

Victorian silver plated sugar tongs in the Gothic Revival taste. Each of the twisted sides is decorated with a woman (who looks curiously like a nun) holding a child, and an angel-like figure. The oval tips are gilt.

Origin: probably Continental, circa 1880. Condition: excellent. Size: 4-3/8" long.