Catalog: Antiques: Decorative Art (486)

A very good cut glass vase by Clark in the "Iris" pattern. The lower third and the flared rim are cut with elongated hobstars flanked by mitred triangles of strawberry diamond cutting enhanced with fans; and the neck is cut with panels of printies alternating with notched prisms. The base is cut with a 20-point hobstar and has Clark’s script acid signature. The pattern is either "Iris" or a variant of “American Beauty”. The cutting is very precise and the polish is excellent.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, a small nick to only one tooth at the rim. Size: 10-1/4” tall.

A beautiful sterling silver vase in the Art Nouveau taste by Shreve & Co. The sinuous trumpet form body is decorated with gorgeous applied silver iris blossoms and buds accented with engraved foliage. The body rises to a ruffled rim that mimics the curvy lines of the floral decoration. The foot is decorated at compass points with iris blossoms, their stems forming the rolled bottom edge. The bottom is hallmarked by Shreve & Co. with the post-1894 mark.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, no dings, no monograms. Size: 12-3/16” tall. Weight: 526.0 grams.

Very nice Imperial Russian clear pressed glass tea box. The design features fans, strawberry diamonds and Russian cane motifs. The box is bound with silverplated mountings and a lock. The box was almost certainly made by the “OtyM.F. Atelier”. Locked tea boxes were a holdover from earlier days when tea was a precious commodity that had to be kept safe from marauding servants.

Origin: Russia, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, two ¼” flakes on the edge of the bottom rim; normal wear to the plating. Size: 4-7/8” x 3-7/8” x 4-1/8”.

A finely detailed cast bronze jewel box, the cover decorated with a scene of Don Quixote astride his horse followed by his loyal Sancho Panza on his donkey. The end panels feature bas relief images of Cervantes flanked by cherubs, and the back panel a bas relief of Don Quixote wearing an armored helmet. Cherubs and dolphins decorate the front. The interior is lined in a bright red velvet. The box retains its original key and the lock is in working order. Bronze boxes of this sort were often purchased as souvenirs of the European "Grand Tour". Often, they represent important architectural or artistic monuments or are related to great cultural figures such as Cervantes. The bottom is marked "Made In Spain" to accommodate British import regulations beginning in 1887.

Origin: Spain, ca. 1890. Size: 6-9/16" x 3-11/16" x 2-5/8". Condition: excellent.

A lovely set of six sterling silver and plique-a-jour enamel cocktail picks by acclaimed Norwegian silversmith and enamelist Johan G. Kjaerland. Kjaerland worked in Bergen, Norway, and was particuarly well-known for his excellent plique-a-jour enamels. This is the first set of cocktail picks we've seen in plique-a-jour. Each is hallmarked appropriately.

• Origin: Norway, ca. 1900
• Condition: excellent, no enamel damage, gilding intact
• Dimensions: 3-11/16" long
• Weight: 16.7 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.

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.

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.

Cute Victorian porcelain baby's dish decorated with a very pretty transfer illustration of the nursery rhyme "Jack and Jill". The decoration is sweetly sentimental. The rim is gilt "Baby". The bottom is marked "Germany".

Origin: Germany, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks, light wear to gilding and transfer. Size: 5-1/8" diameter; 1-1/4" high.

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 pair of carved bone master salt spoons decorated with elephants on the handles. Circa 1900. Excellent condition. 2-3/4” 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.

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 rare hammered brass cigar humidor bearing the double-headed eagle insignia of Russia's Romanov dynasty. The tall humidor is of seamed construction and has a hammered surface. The front is decorated with the Romanov eagle applique attached with copper rivets. The interior of the domed lid has a recessed area with a lip that holds a moistened sponge to keep the cigars at the proper humidity. Humidors of this sort are quite rare and were likely used in the offices of lower ranking household officers or staff. The base is stamped with the Imperial warrant, indicating that the maker was an official provider to the Imperial family and its residences.

Origin: Russian, last quarter 19th century. Size: 4-7/8" diameter; 8-1/2" tall.

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.

An elegant Art Nouveau glass vase decorated with enameled poppies. The blossoms are worked in shades of cream, yellow, rose and violet, while the foliage is stained a reddish-purple and highlighted with complex lacy gilding. The upper rim is decorated with a band of stained and gilt flowers, as well. The vase is blown in pillar form with an optic paneled design. The workmanship is very fine. Unsigned, but definitely made by Mont Joye (also know as Verreries Saint-Denis and Legras).

Origin: France, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, no cracks, no enamel or gilding wear. Size: 9-1/4”.

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 very fine 13-piece gilt silver coffee or tea service by Bruckmann & Soehne, one of Imperial Germany's leading silversmiths. Peter Bruckmann established the Deutscher Werkbund in 1907 to bring designs by the major German artists into the public realm. This service, strikingly decorated with classical figures, is a quintessential example. The slightly angular spade-shaped handles look forward to the Art Deco, while the subject matter itself depicts traditional Greek gods and goddesses. The spoons and tongs are presented in their original fitted case lined with silk and kid leather. The interior of the lid is embossed with the retailer's mark. Each piece is hallmarked with Bruckmann's hallmark, including the Imperial warrant.

Origin: Germany, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, all original. Size: spoons, 3-3/4" long; tongs, 3-7/8" long. Weight: 114.50 grams.

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.

Outstanding sterling silver soup ladle in a repousse pattern. The design is a very finely worked pattern of roses and other flowers and foliage. The bowl is deeply lobed and has a scalloped edge. The pattern is similar to Kirk’s “Repousse”, but not identical. The back is marked “Sterling” but is not marked with a maker’s name (a frequent practice until around 1910). Clearly, the ladle is a Baltimore piece, and could be the work of Schofield, Warner, Jacobi or Kirk.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monogram. Size: 11-1/2” long. Weight: 124.5 grams.

A lovely art glass cabinet vase with cameo decoration in the “Thistle” pattern by Daum. The glass has elegant mottled coloring with dark peach and amber. The rim and foot are enhanced with gilt edging. The bottom of the base is signed in gilt script and bears the cross of Lorraine. This example is finely carved and makes very nice use of the layers of color.

Origin: France, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks, very minor wear the gilding along the foot and rim. Size: 4-5/8” tall.

A very nice peacock or electric blue glass inkwell, the body cut in large facets. The hinged lid is topped with a figural cherub cast in glass of a matching color. The figure is completed with a matte acid finish that contrasts beautifully with the main part of the inkwell’s body. We’ve only seen this particular lid once and the figure was molded in colorless glass.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, a very small flake to the cherub's toes. Dimensions: 4-1/4” tall; 3” wide.

A lovely Art Nouveau etched and enameled cameo glass perfume bottle by Cristalleries Saint-Louis. The design features a design of enameled thistles against a frosted-ice background. The enameling is done in multiple shades of yellowish-green, mauve and violet. The rim is highlighted with a simple band of gilding echoed by the gilt star at the top of the lapidary stopper. The bottom has a large polished pontil. This style is typical of the naturalistic motifs used by Saint-Louis around 1900.

Origin: France, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks. Dimensions: 8-1/2" tall.

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.

Very nice cold-painted Vienna bronze figure of a dachsund. The painting is finely done in shades of black and brown. Unmarked.

Origin: Austria, circa 1900. Condition: excellent, minimal wear at high points such as the tip of the nose and the tip of the tail. Size: 1-3/4" x 1-1/16".

Lovely sterling silver demitasse spoon, the handle decorated with four shades of translucent enamel. The plique-a-jour technique allows light to shine through, creating a stained glass effect. The exposed areas of silver are gilt. The back of the bowl is marked "JT830".

Origin: Europe, ca 1900. Condition: excellent, no enamel damage, original gilding. Size: 4-5/8" long.

A fine boxed set of 12 sterling silver demitasse spoons in Gorham's 1896 "Maryland" pattern. The fronts of the handles are decorated scrolls, shells and pendant bouquets, while the backs are accented with simple scrolling and a shell motif near the bowls. The bowls are parcel gilt. This is a particularly lovely pattern--ornate, but not over the top. The spoons are presented in their original fitted box, the inside lid of which is marked with the logo of Gorham's New York City retail store. Each spoon is stamped with an older Gorham hallmark and the patent date.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, all original, no monograms. Size: 4-1/16" long. Weight: 104.5 grams.

Pretty late Victorian porcelain child's cup. One side has a polychrome transfer image of a playful dog, while the other shows another dog with a blue ribbon around his neck. The rim and handle are decorated with gilt bands. Porcelain cups such as these were prized by Victorian children. The bottom is marked "Germany".

Origin: Germany, ca 1900. Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks, light wear to gilding at rim. Size: 2-3/16" tall.

A nice stoneware ewer in an unusual form by Doulton Lambeth. The bulbous body is decorated with raised flowers and foliage against a cobalt blue ground, while the foot and long tapering neck are finished in a simple pattern of incised rings highlighted with chocolate brown borders. The inside of the foot is stamped with the mark used 1891-1902 and also with the artist's mark which appears to be a conjoined "JH", "HL" or possibly just an ornate "H". There is also an assistant's mark, "b".

Origin: England, ca. 1895. Condition: no chips or cracks. Size: 11-5/8" tall.

A lovely cut glass perfume bottle cut from cranberry to clear. The design is a simple, classic combination of crosshatched diamonds and fans. The shoulders of the bottle are panel cut, and the base is finished with a 24-point star. The lapidary-cut stopper is original to the bottle and is engraved with the same number as the inside of the bottle's neck. Origin: Europe, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks. Size: 5-3/4" tall.

A nice pair of painted cast iron curtain tiebacks in the form of sunflowers. The original paint is nicely applied with good shading.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, original paint, very minimal paint chipping along edges. Size: 2-1/4” diameter.

A wonderful sterling silver footed basket by Gorham. The edges are decorated in an ornate Victorian floral motif that is echoed on the handle. The scrolled feet are accented with a shell motif. The rounded sides of the basket have a superb pierced floral design that sets this basket apart from most others. The basket is of the very finest quality made by Gorham in the Edwardian era. The basket would be ideal for a small floral arrangements or potpourri. The bottom is hallmarked with one of Gorham’s earlier marks and the date code for 1908.

Origin: America, 1908. Condition: excellent, a very slight bend to the handle. Size: 7-13/16” x 5-5/8” x 5-1/2” tall. Weight: 217.5 grams.

Exceptionally fine Edwardian tortoishell letter box decorated with gold pique. The serpentine front is inlaid in a pattern of floral swags flanking a center wreath. The curved top has a matching wreath and swags as well as songbirds. The gold has a beautiful rose tint that contrasts nicely with the rich golden-brown of the tortoise, and the surfaces are intricately engraved to enhance the appearance. The use of gold for pique work was reserved for only the most expensive and impressive items. The back and sides of the box are covered in burgundy Morocco leather and the interior is covered in red silk moire. The workmanship and overall style of this piece suggests the workshop of William Comyns, though he more frequently worked in silver. Signed boxes by Comyns feature exactly the same lining and side upholstery and similar swag and wreath designs.

Origin: England, ca. 1905. Condition: very good, the front has a few hairlines (no hairlines on top), six of the tiny pins along the edge of the top are lacking, no loss to pique. Size: 10-1/8" x 5-3/4" x 7-1/4" tall.

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

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 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 delightful bronze dresser mirror, the entire frame ornately decorated in the form of two Pierrot figures and a smiling man-in-the-moon. Pierrot was a originally a Comedia dell’Arte character, but in the 18th century, he and the moon became inextricably linked in the French children’s song, “Au Claire de la Lune.” There are a few variations of this mirror; this is the most ornate, with the intricately beveled glass. The detailing of the figures is excellent.

Origin: France, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, all original; the glass has very light tarnishing typical of old silvered mirrors. Dimensions: 4-3/4” x 8-1/2”.

An elegant Art Nouveau glass vase decorated with enameled poppies. The blossoms are worked in shades of cream, yellow, rose and violet, while the foliage is stained a reddish-purple and highlighted with a complex, lacy pattern of gilding. The upper rim of the vase is decorated with a band of stained and gilt flowers, as well. The vase is blown in pillar form with an optic paneled design. The workmanship is very fine. Unsigned, but almost certainly the product of Mont Joye (also known as Verreries Saint-Denis or Legras).

Origin: France, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, no cracks, no enamel or gilding wear, a 1/32" flake at the upper rim. Size: 8".

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.

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.

A lovely sterling silver fancy serving fork in an unnamed Art Nouveau pattern by the Baird-North Co. The handle is beautifully decorated with a thorny vine of wild roses. The back is decorated in a simpler design of roses. The splayed tines are ornately pierced. A fork of this shape would probably have been used to serve bacon, but it might also be useful for cold meats. The reverse is marked “Sterling/Pat. 1903”. There is no maker’s mark (maker’s marks were not legally required until 1906), but we’ve had pieces in this pattern that have bear Baird-North’s hallmark.

Origin: America, ca. 1903-1906. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monograms. Size: 8” long. Weight: 35.5 grams.

Very nice Imperial Russian peacock blue pressed glass tea box. Glass tea caddies are difficult to find in this color. The design features fans, strawberry diamonds and Russian cane motifs. The box is bound with silverplated mountings and a lock. The box was almost certainly made by the “OtyM.F. Atelier”. Locked tea boxes were a holdover from earlier days when tea was a precious commodity that had to be kept safe from marauding servants.

Origin: Russia, ca. 1900. Condition: very good, some roughnesses along the bottom edge; normal wear to the plating. Size: 4-7/8” x 3-7/8” x 4-1/8”.

A lovely pair of hyacinth vases in teal blue glass. The classic shape is slightly conical with a widely flaring rim for resting the bulb over the water. These vases are especially attractive because of their rich color. Forcing hyacinths and other bulbs to bloom indoors was something of a Victorian passion that continued well into the 20th century.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks. Size: 7" tall.

A wonderful boxed set of six 800 silver Jugendstil (“Art Nouveau”) demitasse or chocolate spoons, each featuring a scene from different Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The tales include “Bremen Town Musicians”, “The Frog Prince”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Hansel & Gretel”, “Sleeping Beauty”, and “Puss in Boots”. Bruckmann, one of the most important Imperial German silversmiths of the Jugendstil period, worked with many leading designers. In this case, the designer was Hugo Cauer who created the “Märchen” (“Fairy Tales”) line in 1903/04. Bruckmann and Cauer were responsible for the most important silver pieces entered into Germany’s display at the 1900 World Exposition in Paris. The “Fairy Tale” design occasionally appears on children’s table ware such as napkin rings or drinking cups, so it’s possible the spoons were intended to do double duty as chocolate spoons, as well. The spoons are presented in their original fitted box marked with the logo of the luxury jeweler Oscar Stodt. The back of each is stamped with Stodt’s retailer’s mark, as well as Bruckmann’s maker’s mark and appropriate hallmarks for 800 silver.

• Origin: Germany, ca. 1904.
• Condition: excellent, original gilding intact.
• Dimensions: spoons, 3-3/4” long.
• Weight: 55.6 grams.

Extremely rare set of six transferware dessert plates depicting Napoleon’s great victories. The rims are printed with crowned “N”s encircled by laurel wreaths and military decorations, alternating with escutcheons with the Emperor’s signature hat and sword. The scenes are entitled “Mort De Desaix A Marengo”; “Le Ge’al Massena Devant Zurich 25 Decembre 1799”; “Bataille De Friedland 14 Juin 1807”; “Combat De Benhout 8 Mars 1799”; “Bonaparte A Arcole 17 Novembre 1796”; and “Napoleon Haranguant Les Troupes Bavaroises Et Wurtembergeoises”.

All the plates were made by Boch Freres of La Louviere, Belgium. Most are marked with the company’s stamp. The monarchy was in and out of favor frequently during the 19th century, and few of the Napoleon transferware items survived.

Origin: Belgium, circa 1850s. Condition: all are in excellent condition with no chips or cracks; one has light crazing to the glaze and minimal discoloration; all the transfer decoration is well-detailed and strongly-colored. Size: 8-1/8” diameter.

Beautiful set of six sterling silver seafood forks in terrific Art Nouveau pattern by Joseph Seymour. Each piece is covered from the tip of the handle to the very beginnings of the tines with curves and stylized chrysanthemum-like blossoms in the Japonaise style. The tines are nicely curved and barbed. The backs are hallmarked by Seymour.

Origin: America, ca. 1885. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monograms. Size: 6-1/8” long. Weight: 87.5 grams.

A superb late 19th century first standard (950/1000 pure) silver berry spoon with a shell-form gilt bowl. These spoons were originally intended for serving strawberries. The front of the handle is decorated with a twisting wreath of holly leaves and berries, and the back with a similar wreath of thistles. The bowl is beautifully worked in the shape of a scallop shell. Improvements in agriculture and railways made strawberries widely available to the wealthy classes in the 1870s. Special implements such as this were needed to compete the experience. Today, it could be used for any sort of desert or even hors d’oeuvres. The spoon is stamped with French silver marks and with an illegible maker’s mark. The quality of workmanship is easily on par with the great makers such as Odiot and Puiforcat.

• Origin: France, ca. 1880.
• Dimensions: 8-3/4” long.
• Condition: mint; gilding completely intact.
• Weight: 99.5 grams.

Pair lovely Minton porcelain cabinet plates featuring handpainted pastoral scenes. One shows a footbridge over a rushing stream and the other shows a pair of cows wading in a pond. Both are surrounded by Minton's famous turquoise blue. The edges are gilt and embossed with a foliate pattern. The backs are impressed "Minton" and have the year mark for 1879. Origin: England, 1879. Condition: the bridge plate is excellent, with about 10% loss to the gilding along the rim; the cow plate is good, with about 70% loss to the gilding along the edge and along the inner rim. Size: 9-1/8" diam.

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful Victorian sterling silver souvenir spoon from Saratoga Springs, New York. The handle depicts a Native American Chief wearing a feathered war bonnet, his bust surrounded by ears of corn and foliage. The bowl has a design picturing a young Native American man drinking from the natural springs and bears the legend “High Rock Spring Saratoga”. The bowl retains its original gilt surface. The back of the spoon is decorated with a tomahawk, bow and quiver of arrows. The stem is marked sterling and has the hallmark for Howard (1878-1902).

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: near mint. Size: 4-3/16” long. Weight: 11.4 grams.

A very unusual Bohemian zwischengoldglass liquor glass, the bottom featuring an inset gilt and enameled design of a ladybug. The panel cutting along the beaker’s sides causes the design to be visually repeated. Small beakers such as these are normally decorated with a flower. This is the only example we’ve seen with an insect. The ladybug traditionally symbolizes good luck, so perhaps that's why it appears here.

Origin: Bohemia, ca. 1860. Condition: excellent, gilding intact, no chips or cracks. Size: 2-1/4” tall.

Outstanding sterling silver master salt spoon in a rococo pattern by Gorham. I have not been able to put a name to this assymetrical pattern, although it is very similar to "Marie Antoinette" and "Dresden". The bowl is parcel gilt. The reverse is marked with Gorham's old hallmark.

Origin: America, circa 1885. Condition: excellent, gilding intact, crisp details, period mongram "Y". Size: 3-5/8" long.

Gorgeous Qing Dynasty Chinese export porcelain vase with Rose Medallion enameled decoration. The body has a beautiful white color and intricate painted decoration of peonies, quince fruit, waterlilies, butterflies and birds. The foot, rim and shoulder are decorated with enameled flowers against a gilt background. The shoulder border is punctuated with reserves framing peony blossoms.

Origin: China, circa 1850.

Condition: excellent, no chips or cracks, normal wear to gilding, a tiny bit of wear to some of the enamels.

Size: 10" tall; 4" wide at shoulder; 3-1/8" wide at mouth.

Pair of Staffordshire pottery cake plates with light blue transfer decoration in the Canton or "Willow" theme. Neither plate is marked.

Origin: England, circa 1850. Condition: one plate has a crow's foot visible only from the back; the other has a 1/2" flake on the back of the rim; both have some staining, particularly along the rims. Size: 10" diam.

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.

Pretty French faience plate exuberantly decorated with vases of carnations, sprays of bluebells and colorful insects. The plate has a deep rim and the edges are finished in a nice curved pattern. The back of the plate is marked "Jardin" in underglaze blue.

Origin: France, early 19th century. Condition: no body cracks or chips; glaze wear along rim; normal glaze crackling. Size: 10-1/4" diameter.

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 classic 19th century French silver tastevin of traditional form and the bottom inset with a silver coin from the reign of Louis XV. The sides of the tastevin are decorated with the traditional raised "perles" and recessed "cupules" for viewing the depth of color in a wine. The coin, dating to 1726, depicts the profile of the king surrounded by the legend "Louis XV, by grace of God, king of France and Navarre." The reverse of the coin can be seen from the bottom of the tastevin. The taster is completed with a handle in the form of a single coiled snake. Stamped with an illegible maker's mark.

Origin: France, ca. 1850. Condition: excellent, sharp detail to the tastevin, typical wear to the coin. Dimensions: 3-5/16" x 4-5/16" x 1". Weight: 95.4 grams.

A very rare and elegant Victorian sterling silver pie knife in Gorham’s 1894 “Imperial Chrysanthemum” pattern. The handle is decorated with an ornate design of chrysanthemum blossoms and foliage that extends down onto the blade and shoulders of the blade. The back of the handle is decorated with a complementary design. Pie knives or pie servers are difficult to find in the better patterns. The back is marked with Gorham’s older hallmark and also has the patent date, indicating that the piece was made during the period.

Origin: America, ca. 1895. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monogram. Size: 9-1/8” long.