Cliff Nunn - Antique Silver and Decorative Arts  
20200119-08   $40.00

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Offered is a good and rare example of the maker's mark of the firm of Morrison & Conklin, a partnership between John H. Morrison and James S. Conklin, circa the 1850s and 60s. This tablespoon has a period engraved script monogram and a rubbed but legible maker's mark. This piece measures about 8 inches in length and weighs about 38 grams. Condition is fair overall, with the bowl out of round and some wear overall, but no splits or repairs. All in all a good example of this desirable Detroit... Click for details

Cliff Nunn - Antique Silver and Decorative Arts  
20200119-06   $100.00

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Offered is a very rare example of the maker's mark or retailer's mark of the firm of Joseph W. Cary & Co. (see biographical information, which has some inaccuracies, below), of Alton, Illinois from the 1840s through about 1875, and of St. Louis, Missouri thereafter. Norman Mack, the author of "Missouri's Silver Age", indicates that no example of the work of this firm have been located. Either only a few pieces have survived, or the majority of spoons bearing this mark were made for, and remain... Click for details

Old Friends  
4073f   $55.00

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A major mid 19th century silver manufacturer, Boston's Farrington & Hunnewell produced a number of die cut patterns as well as an extensive array of engraved designs.

This 6" long, 1.3 T. oz., shell bowl, sauce or cream ladle, is an especially fine example of the later form.

It has a gracefully arched, broad, "Reverse Tipt" handle that is bright and diamond cut on the front in a floral, leaf, and swag design.

There is a central reserve area that is engraved in a leaf script "W"... Click for details

Old Friends  
4032f   $75.00

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One of Gorham's earliest full line patterns, references date it to 1865 although this 7 3/4" long, 1.4 T. oz., solid silver master butter knife is stamped "Patent 1867," indicating a later date and situating it just before the company's conversion to a sterling standard in 1868.

Other marks on this include Gorham's "lion, anchor, G" emblem, and the name of the retailer, Philadelphia's "Geo. H. Bechtel."

"Ionic" is a Greek Revival design that incorporates a central rosette with a stylized... Click for details

Cliff Nunn - Antique Silver and Decorative Arts  
20191103-11   Sold

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Offered is an American coin silver salt spoon by the partnership of Henry Gelston and Henry R. Treadwell, working in New York, NY between 1843 and 1849; this piece is marked with their maker's mark of GELSTON&TREADWELL incuse. This piece also has a period engraved script monogram. This spoon measures about 3 7/8 inches in length and weighs about 8 grams. Condition is fair overall, with some dings to the bowl and other signs of use, but no splits or repairs. All in all a nice example of this... Click for details

Cliff Nunn - Antique Silver and Decorative Arts  
20191103-10   Sold

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Offered is a nice American coin silver master salt spoon by silversmiths Aurelius Clark Root and Laurens Mattoon Root, working in partnership in Pittsfield, MA circa 1835-56. This piece has a good clear maker's mark for the partnership, and also features a period engraved script monogram. This spoon measures about 3 1/2 inches in length and weighs about 4 grams. Condition is fair overall, with some wear and signs of use, but no splits or repairs. All in all a nice example of this maker's... Click for details

Cliff Nunn - Antique Silver and Decorative Arts  
20191103-09   Sold

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Offered is a nice little American coin silver salt spoon marked J.B.SHEPARD in a rectangular punch, circa 1825-50. The location of this silversmith is unknown to me - if anyone can educate me, it would be most welcome! This piece is not engraved, and it is difficult to tell if it once had a monogram. The maker's mark is a little rubbed but is legible. This piece measures about 3 3/4 inches in length and weighs about 5 grams. Condition overall is fair, with some surface wear and small signs... Click for details

Cliff Nunn - Antique Silver and Decorative Arts  
20191103-08   $22.50

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Offered is a nice American coin silver sauce ladle with fluted bowl and a great strike of the maker's mark. This piece also has period engraving to the handle. I didn't track down this tradesman, but would be interested in hearing about his whereabouts. This ladle measures about 6 inches in length and weighs about 22 grams. Condition is very good, with modest wear but no major dents and no splits or repairs. All in all a nice useful serving piece and a nice example of this mark!

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2413   $950.00

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diameter, 8.5"; height .75"; weight 14.0 oz. Troy; a few minor scratches and dents but excellent overall condition, no monogram, marked as shown in fifth enlargement.

Some similarities such as the ring-matte chasing (see second photo) exist between this and China Trade items which were imported to Boston during an albeit slightly later time frame, (see Forbes, figures 41 and 153), which along with the four toed feet and overall chunky-ness of this item leads me to wonder if Messr's Welles... Click for details

Cliff Nunn - Antique Silver and Decorative Arts  
20191005-04   $29.50

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Offered is a quite rare example of the work of Philadelphia jeweler and silversmith Frederick H. Smith, working from 1833 to 1845 with silver, and then in related lines thereafter. This spoon probably dates to the earlier part of his career. It has a very clear maker's mark, and this mark was pictured in the book "Philadelphia Silversmiths" by Catherine Hollan. Smith's output, at least for flatware, seems to have been very small. This piece also has a period engraved script monogram. This... Click for details

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2411   $1,250.00

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Edward Holland Hastings was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on February 1, 1857.   This dramatic christening cup from the gentleman whom we presume to be his uncle, Edward M. Holland, presaged a distinguished career as owner and impresario.

After spending a year at Cambridge High School, he prepared for four years at Philip Academy in Exeter, NH.   Immensely popular with his schoolmates, he was elected class president  and entered Harvard upon graduation.   Illness prevented him from... Click for details

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2409   $80.00

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Whitingham circa 1800, length 5 5/8 inches, total Troy weight .79 oz., very good condition, period script mono (obverse) and a slightly later one (reverse), marked as shown in third enlargement.

Notable as birthplace of Brigham Young, the town was a mere thirty years old when these spoons were made. We marvel a bit that such a small, rural spot could support its own silversmith, and can't help but suspect that he dabbled in other trades.

Cliff Nunn - Antique Silver and Decorative Arts  
20190914-02   $22.50

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Offered is a nice American coin silver teaspoon by the firm of Farr & Brother, which should be connected to John C. Farr of Philadelphia. This piece has a clear maker's mark or retailer's mark, and also has a period engraved script monogram. This spoon measures about 5 7/8 inches in length and weighs about 20 grams. Condition is good overall, with some surface wear but no splits or repairs. Please take a look at all photos. All in all a nice useful coin silver spoon!

Cliff Nunn - Antique Silver and Decorative Arts  
20190914-01   Sold

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Offered is a very good American coin silver spoon by by the celebrated Philadelphia firm of R. & W. Wilson, in business circa 1820s through about 1850. This piece has a clear maker's mark and standard mark, and also has a good engraved period script monogram. This spoon measures about 6 1/8 inches in length, and weighs about 21 grams. Condition is very good overall, with only light wear and no splits or repairs. Please review all pictures. All in all a fine example of the form!

Cliff Nunn - Antique Silver and Decorative Arts  
20190913-17   Sold

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Offered is a nice Philadelphia coin silver teaspoon by noted silversmith Thomas Fletcher, working circa 1827-42. This teaspoon is engraved "EW" in period script and is struck with a very well executed maker's mark. Please review all pictures. This spoon measures about 6 inches in length and weighs about 15 grams. Condition is good overall, with some surface wear, but no splits or repairs. All in all a very nice example of this famous maker's mark!

Cliff Nunn - Antique Silver and Decorative Arts  
20190913-14   $10.00

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Offered is an American coin silver teaspoon by Baltimore silversmith Thomas J. Brown, working circa 1842-84. This piece has a rubbed maker's mark and a period engraved script monogram. It measures about 5 3/4 inches in length and weighs about 13 grams. Condition is fair, with some wear and over-polishing to the surface, and minor dings but no splits or repairs. Please take a look at all the photos. All in all a usable spoon for one's daily tea or coffee!