Old Friends  
4097f   $80.00

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Measuring 6 7/8" long, and weighty at approximately 1.5 T. oz., this spoon is stamped with Whiting's "winged lion" emblem, "Sterling," "Pat. Appd. For" (indicating it is an early production piece in the line), and with the name of the retailer, Brooklyn's "W(illiam). Wise."

The pattern is Persian, which dates from 1880. It is a Moresque design in the same genre as Tiffany's pattern of the same name, as well as Whiting's own Arabesque and Gorham's Hindostanee among others.... Click for details

Old Friends  
4063f   $110.00

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Bright cut engraved designs were popular among American silver manufacturers during the last quarter of the 19th century, with this generously-sized, 9 1/4" long, nearly 2.7 T. oz., pie server a quality example of the style.

Made by Gorham, whose "lion, anchor, G" emblem and the word "Sterling" appear on the "Old English" tipt handle backside, the pattern is "Chrysanthemum," issued in 1885.

The imagery is finely rendered in bright cut work set against a satin ground.

The broad, 2 3/4"... Click for details

Old Friends  
4058f   $100.00

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Lengthy at 9 5/8" and weighty at 2.9 T. oz., this serving spoon has a large, 4" long by 2 1/2" at the widest by 5/8" deep, bowl with flanged shoulders, a central rib in the base, and a gold washed surface that is bright cut and wriggle work engraved in a blackberry and leaves design.

Dating circa 1880, it is stamped "J.S. MacDonald" for the late 19th century Baltimore firm, and with the word "Sterling."

The "Old English Reverse Tipt" handle features an engraved "Lily" pattern that shows... Click for details

Old Friends  
4054f   $52.00

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Measuring a lengthy 5 3/4" and weighing a robust 1.7 T. oz., this pair of tongs are marked on the inside of each leg, respectively, with Durgin's "D" emblem and "Sterling," and "B.K. & Co.," for Boston's Bigelow, Kennard & Company.

The pattern is "Bead," issued in 1893. It features a "Tipt" end with a beaded margin handle, joined in this instance to heavy, detailed, talon grips.

The plain arch is engraved with an Old English "T" monogram.

In superb condition, these are without wear or... Click for details

Old Friends  
4046f   $185.00

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The Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers by Dorothy Rainwater indicates that "The Kalo Shop" was founded in 1900 by Clara Barck Welles and "went on to become the largest and most influential producer of handwrought silverware and jewelry in the midwest."

Rainwater further notes that "Mrs. Welles retired in 1940." Given that this 10 1/8" long, 3.6 T. oz., serving spoon is engraved on the backside, "AS HCM" over "Feb. 14, 1939," it traces to the founder's working years, which... 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

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2402   On Hold

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Exeter (1861), length 8 1/4 inches, total Troy weight 14.74 ounces, no monogram, excellent condition.

If you like a big, heavy weapon with which to attack your steak (or red beans and rice, for our vegan friends) then look no further, here it is.

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2401   $425.00

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length 6 7/8 inches, monogram "F", excellent condition, weight 9 oz. Troy, marked with Alvin trademark; "Sterling" and "Patent".

These are find, old pieces with excellent detail and die depth.

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2399   $150.00

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length 6 1/8 inches, total Troy weight 5.53 ounces, lightly monogrammed "D", fine condition.

Old Friends  
3941f   $75.00

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Catherine Hollan in Philadelphia Silversmiths offers dates of 1876-87 for the firm of "McCarty & Hurlbert," which is the name that is imprinted on the backside of this 9 1/4" long, 2.4 T. oz., berry spoon. Antecedent firms trace back to c. 1845.

It is also marked "Coin," which is late for this standard, as most manufacturers had converted to sterling by the 1870s.

It has an "Old English" handle with a tipt backside and a bright cut fine flower and leaf theme on the front.

The... Click for details

Old Friends  
3938f   $78.00

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This lengthy at 7 5/8" and robust at approximately 1.5 T. oz., solid silver master butter knife was made by New York's John Wendt, whose characteristic "Patent 925" (for sterling) and "Bailey & Co.," for the Philadelphia retailer appear on the blade.

The pattern is "Union," and is quite similar to "Gibney," designed by F.H. Gibney, later Whiting, with both it and "Union" issued in 1862.

The handle has a central leaf rosette and leaf tipped, oval end, all elements that are very much of its... Click for details

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2398   Sold

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One by craftsman Alfred Wikstrom (has Stone Associates mark); the other by Charles W. Brown, length five inches, total Troy weight .94 oz. excellent condition, marked and monogrammed as shown.

A set of these same spoons graces the cover of Elenita Chickering's superb monograph about her Uncle, Mr. Stone.

Old Friends  
3924f   This item is currently being auctioned

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A large piece measuring 8 1/2" long and weighing 1.8 T. oz., this table serving spoon bears one of the earliest marks, a "bird surrounded by a wreath," that the William B. Durgin Company used on its flatware.

It is also stamped "M.F. Robinson" for the Springfield, Massachusetts jeweler with dates of operation 1860-99, and "Sterling."

A non-line pattern, its relatively plain style with a broad, fanned, handle end with bright cut diamond and bellflower components, suggests a date circa 1880.... Click for details

Old Friends  
3922f   $65.00

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Likely dating 1855-1862, this sugar sifter measures 7" long and weighs 1.2 T. oz.

It was made and sold by Philadelphia's "Bailey & Co.," and is so marked, along with a "lion, S, shield" with additional "lion" pseudo hallmark that was used while George Sharp was the company's manufacturing manager 1852-c. 1862 (Catherine Hollan Philadelphia Silversmiths).

The "S" indicates sterling, while a like mark with a "U" indicates coin silver, with the former introduced in 1855 (Hollan).... Click for details

Old Friends  
3921f   $125.00

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This rendition of "Lily of the Valley" by Gorham is to be distinguished from the die struck pattern of the same circa 1870 date that features this flower and is also known as "No. 88," and certainly it is very far removed from the company's 1950 line called "Lily of the Valley."

An approach to silver flatware construction that was popular in the period, and one which showcases the artfulness of a given manufacturer, such items are assembled from a variety of components.

Made in a limited... Click for details

Old Friends  
3891f   $65.00

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The Baltimore Museum of Art volume Maryland Silver indicates George Webb (1812-90) was a second generation silversmith, although he trained under Hugh Gelston rather than his father, James Webb.

This source also notes that he "conducted his highly successful jewelry and silver shop under the name Webb & Co. on Baltimore and Light Streets with W.H. Sexton as a partner 1877-86."

As this 9" long, 2.2 T. oz., serving spoon carries this mark, along with the word "Sterling," it can be... Click for details