Catalog: Antiques: Decorative Art (485)

A Burgundian first standard (950/1000 pure silver) tastevin by acclaimed silversmith Marc Parrod. The style of this particular example is a bit of a departure from Parrod’s typical style. The handle is worked in the form of a snake, thought to represent the the snake from the Garden of Evil as a reminder that wine may lead to earthly temptation. But the bowl Parrod experimented with the decoration to the bowl. The elongated “godrons”, intended to help assess the color and clarity of wine, are pushed all the way up the sides of the bowl in a style more typical of the 18th century. A series of “perles” are arranged in a circle at the base of the “godrons.” Between the “godrons” Parrod has added repoussé decoration of grape clusters. And most interestingly, rather than a smooth surface, Parrod created a hammered texture that further enhances the wine’s color. The rim is engraved “Vernier Morey 1740.” The meaning of the engraving is unclear, but both names are familial names long associated with very good Burdundy wines. Obviously, the date was intended to represent the founding of a vineyard, a dynastic marriage, or some other major local history event. The rim is slightly out-of-round, but this is in the making where the engraving and maker’s marks were applied—a quirk that is not uncommon in French silver. The handle and body are stamped with the French first standard mark and Parrod’s master’s mark.

• Origin: France, ca. 1910
• Condition: very good, a small flattened area on the bottom edge under the handle visible when turned upside down
  • Dimensions: 3” x 4” x 1-1/4”
  • Weight: 88.6 grams

An elegant second standard (800/1000 pour silver) French tastevin. Rather than the typical "perles" and fluted "godrons," the bowl is decorated with repousse grape leaves, berries and shells in the 18th century style. This treatment is sometimes seen in tastevins made by Parrod, one of the most influential makers of tastevins in the 19th and 20th centuries. The single snake handle, thought to represent the snake from the Garden of Eden reminding drinkers of temptation, has an unusually well-detailed head. The tastevin is fully hallmarked and has an illegible maker's mark, possibly Parrod's.

• Origin: France, ca. 1925
• Condition: excellent, sharp detail
• Dimensions: 3-1/4" x 4-1/4" x 15/15"
• Weight: 55.9 grams

A beautiful Art Deco cobalt blue overlap cut crystal perfume bottle in “Design 7623” by Cristalleries de Nancy. The bottle is cut alternately with clear pillars accented with stars at either end and blue pillars accented with printies rising to a step-cut shoulders and panel-cut neck. The hollow-blown stopper is cut to match with a large star cut at the apex. The base is stamped with the acid signature “Cristal Nancy France.” Cobalt blue is probably the rarest color in this particular pattern. The pattern was likely designed by the company’s artistic director, August Houillon. Cristalleries de Nancy was established in 1921 and after winning the gold medal at the 1925 Art Deco Exhibition in Paris, it became the primary challenger to Daum during the Art Deco period. Luxury perfume bottles and dresser accessories were the company’s specialty until it closed in 1934.

• Origin: France, 1921-34
• Condition: excellent, no chips
• Dimensions: 2-1/4” x 2-1/4” x 6-1/4

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.

Sterling silver lettuce fork in International's 1907 "Margaret" pattern. Originally intended to serve iceberg lettufe (a luxurious rarity at the time), the fork could be used for many other foods today. The reverse is marked with International's old hallmark.

Origin: America, circa 1907. Condition: excellent, period "F" monogram. Size: 8-3/4" long.

Six sterling silver cocktail forks in Gorham's lovely 1899 "Cambridge" pattern. The handles are beautifully decorated with flowers, scrolls, and gadrooning. The backs are marked with Gorham's old hallmark, the patent date, and the retailer's mark "W.F. Van Arsdel".

Origin: America, circa 1900. Condition: excellent, crisp details, no monograms. Size: 5-7/16" long.

Stunning set of four enameled cocktail glasses, almost certainly by Moser. The quality of the glass is superlative. The enameled rooster motif is magnified through the thick glass of the base, so that it looks quite large from inside the bowl (it might be a bit frightening after drinking an entire martini!) The bowls are lightly paneled and are edged in a thin line of gilding.

One glass has a flake at the bottom edge (see photo) and two pinpoint roughnesses along the top rim. Another has a couple of pinpoint roughnesses underneath the bottom edge (not noticeable from the top).

3-1/2" tall.

These are certainly among the finest cocktail glasses we've seen and would look great with a classic cocktail shaker featuring a rooster motif.

Fantastic pottery double-handled urn decorated in an underglaze blue floral transfer and clobbered with overglaze iron red, yellow and purple pigments. The effect is much like chintz china, but with stronger coloring. The bottom bears the mark used by Cauldon Potteries from 1905 to 1920. The form and size of this vase, combined with its rich coloring, makes for a truly stunning piece of Staffordshire pottery.

Origin: Staffordshire, England, circa 1913. Condition: mint. Size: 13-1/4” tall.

Gorgeous sterling silver pickle fork in a lovely Art Nouveau pattern featuring wild roses trailing assymetrically down the handle. The design continues onto the back of the fork, as well. The elegance of the detailing is simply stunning even the thorns are visible. Excellent condition; no monogram. The reverse is marked "Sterling/Pat. 1903" and has the maker's mark for the Baird-North Co. of Salem, MA. Excellent condition, no monogram. 5-13/16" long.

A fine pair of American brilliant cut glass candlesticks signed “Libbey.” The stems and candle sockets are cut in Libbey’s “Plain Flute” pattern. The foot is decorated in an unequal radiant star pattern. The stems are spectacular! Each has not one, but four air bubbles that are twisted about each other in a spiral pattern extending the full length of the stem. Each candlestick is marked with Libbey’s acid signature (Libbey with a break in the tail of the “L” and enclosed in a circle) on the socket.

Origin: America, ca. 1910. Condition: excellent, one stem has a 3/32” fleabite on a flute edge just under the lip of the socket, normal surface wear on underside of feet. Size: 10” tall; 4-7/8” diameter at foot.

Porcelain beaker decorated in transfer and polychrome enamels with scenes from St. Louis, Missouri. The scenes include Eads Bridge, Municipal Courts Building, and Union Station. These glasses were made in Bohemia and Germany from the 1890's until World War I. We are also offering similar glasses featuring Boston, Cincinnati, and Mackinac Island. The bottom is marked "Made In Germany".

Origin: Germany, 1891-1918. Condition: near mint, with very slight wear to the gilded edges. Size: 3-3/4" tall.

Elegant sterling silver lettuce fork in Reed & Barton's "Chambord" pattern, designed in 1909. The reverse is marked with Reed & Barton's hallmark and "Pat. Nov. 9,'09."

Origin: America, circa 1909. Condition: near mint. Size: 9-1/2" long.

Boxed set of six sterling silver fruit knives, with handles decorated in a detailed Art Nouveau floral pattern. The handles are marked "Sterling". The box is upholstered in dark green moire silk.

Origin: American, circa 1900. Condition: extremely minor wear to handles, plated blades are excellent. Size: 7-1/4" long.

Terrific enameled sherry bottle/decanter label. The enamel is applied over metal and has polychrome floral decoration. The chain is brass.

Origin: probably English, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent. Size: 2.5" x 1/5".

A wonderful sterling silver soup ladle in Reed & Barton’s famous 1907 “Francis I” pattern. This is one of the most desirable late Victorian American flatware designs. This ladle is from the original series and is hallmarked with Reed & Barton’s old hallmark and the design patent date.

Origin: America, ca. 1910. Condition: excellent, very sharp details, light surface scratches in bowl from normal use, no monogram, no dings. Size: 12-1/4” long. Weight: 243.0 grams.

An elegant second standard (800/1000 pure silver) French tastevin. Rather than the typical “perles” and fluted “godrons”, the bowl is decorated with repousse grape leaves and berries in the 18th century style. This treatment is sometimes seen in tastevins made by Parrod, one of the most influential makers of tastevins in the 19th and 20th centuries. The single snake handle, thought to represent the snake from the Garden of Eden, thus reminding drinkers of temptation, has an unusually well-detailed head. The tastevin is fully hallmarked and has an illegible maker’s mark, possibly Parrod’s.

• Origin: France, ca. 1925
• Condition: excellent, sharp detail
• Dimensions: 3-5/16” x 4-1/4” x 15/16”
• Weight: 58.8 grams

Wonderful pair of Hubley cast iron paperweights in the form of African-American children. The little girl wears a yellow jumper over a white blouse and the little boy wears yellow pants and a white shirt. This is the only pair of black memorabilia iron paperweights we’ve seen.

Origin: America, ca 1920. Condition: very good, expected paint wear on high spots. Size: 1-3/8” tall.

Elegant crystal trivet with a sterling silver overlay in an orchid pattern. The piercing of the silver is highlighted with engraved details. The center has a silver reserve that was never monogrammed. The side is hallmarked by Webster Silver Co. This trivet is in the harder to find large size.

Origin: America, ca. 1920. Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks. Size: 8” diameter.