Old Friends  
3782f   $185.00

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Decorative and utilitarian desk items, stamp boxes evoke nostalgic reminders of a measured and purposeful lifestyle that no longer exists. They served the useful purpose of protectively holding stamps when they were issued singly.

This likely late 19th century example was made by George Shiebler, whose "winged S" emblem, the word "Sterling," and model number "4179" are imprinted on the underside.

Rectangular with two compartments, its measurements are very symmetrical, 2" long by 1" wide... Click for details

Old Friends  
3770f   $68.00

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This liquor tag was produced by Gorham in 1910, stamped on the reverse with the company "lion, anchor, G" emblem, a date symbol for the year, the word "Sterling," and the letters "TGR," indicating this is special order (or sample) item.

It is an unusual piece in several regards.

First is the above noted fact that, as a special order, it is essentially one of a kind, or few at most. Second is its size, which is large for this sort of item, measuring 3" by 1 1/2", and weighing approximately... Click for details

Old Friends  
3745f   $115.00

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Dating from 1879 as indicated by the date letter "L" stamped on the inside wall, along with the Gorham "lion, anchor, G" emblem and "Sterling," this napkin ring stands 1 3/4" high, is 1 7/8" in diameter, and weighs 1.0 T. oz.

It is model number "1295" and features "Arabesque," i.e. Moorish, pattern banding on either side of a plain, slightly concave, center ring that is inscribed "Hattie."

It is in very fine condition, retaining excellent pattern detail free of polishing wear. The patina... Click for details

Old Friends  
3742f   $295.00

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This example of late Victorian grape shears or, as period catalogues identify them, scissors, are of a quality that set the bar for such pieces. They excel in terms of design, manufacture, and material.

The first factor that stands out is that they are made of solid sterling silver. Grape shears typically have steel cutters, while these are clearly marked on the backside of the lower blade "Howard & Co." and "Sterling," which applies to the entire piece.

They measure 6 7/8" long and... Click for details

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2377   Sold

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With applied bird, ivy, and wirework tendrils, weight 1.53 Troy ounces, diameter 1 5/8 inches, monogrammed as shown in third enlargement, marked only "169" on base.

So far as I can see, there are no losses, though condition can be difficult to assess on this type of item.

Old Friends  
3720f   $38.00

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The style of this plain band, 1" wide, 1 3/4" diameter, .7 T. oz., napkin ring places it from the late 1800s.

The satin finish exterior is bright cut engraved in a leaf and scroll theme interpreted in an Aesthetic manner. Both edges have a repeating beaded design that looks like knurling.

There is a reserve within the engraving that is inscribed "TGM," while the inner side reads, "From J.W.F. Jr. Dec. 25, '99.," so very likely it was a Christmas present given well over a century ago.

In... Click for details

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2362   $195.00

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diameter 1 3/4; height 1 1/2 inches, with high quality brite cut and roulette work engraving, no monogram, superb condition (there is a flea-bite test mark shown in third enlargement), weight 2.02 Troy ounces, unmarked.

Our resident fashion consultant tells me that rose gold colored items (it is gilt inside and out) such as this are currently "in".

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2361   $35.00

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height 1 3/4 inches, weight .65 Troy ounces, a few very minor bruises but fine overall condition, marked as shown in second enlargement.

Alas, mainly a decorative item as no hole has been drilled for the spout to function.

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2354   $360.00

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in original felt holders, excellent untouched condition, no monogram, 2 3/4 X 7/8 inches, the surface artfully finished with with broad planish marks (please see third enlargement), delightfully heavy in the hand @10.51 Troy ounces the set.

These bear the craftsman's mark of Reynolds F. Senior, son of ONC's founder Elmer Senior. A splendid gift for the North Shore bride.

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2338   $550.00

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4 1/8 by 2 5/8 inches (fits credit or business cards easily), weight 3.5 Troy ounces, no monogram, excellent original condition, model number 19D (please see third photo for marks).

This was probably a custom made item.

We've examined both doggies carefully with a high power loupe, and they appear to be 14k. No, we're not going to test them...

Old Friends  
3551f   $135.00

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Definitely a product of the Gilded Age, this 6 5/8" long, 2.2 T. oz., glove stretcher bespeaks a refined lifestyle.

This example is model number "5" by Gorham, and so identified by marks on the inside of the handle, which also include the word "Sterling" and a date symbol for "1889."

One other imprint by the pin that holds the two pieces together reads "Pat. 75," which no doubt is a reference to the spring mechanism that controls the pivoting arms.

The design on the hollow but all... Click for details

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2325   $75.00

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pleasantly rotund and sturdy, this weighs just shy of one Troy ounce (.98) and is in excellent condition, with a fully functional hinge and a clasp which snaps shut properly.

Though it may only win second prize in a beauty contest, the price is attractive and we've certainly seen uglier ones.

For those of you who like comparison shopping, check item 192469545712 on the Bay of Eees, which weighed not even half as much and measured a mere inch an a quarter in diameter.

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2321   Sold

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4 1/8 X 2 3/8 X 3/8 inches, weight 2.53 oz. Troy, no monogram, one corner is bruised, there is a split to seam (see fifth enlargement) and the hinge is slightly ajar, but the lid closes well and overall condition is fine.

With faux alligator skin, and applied silver matte finish "calling card."

Old Friends  
3480jl   $250.00

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This assemblage of eight boxes vary in size from a 1 5/8" by 1 5/8" by 1/2" high square at the largest, to a 1 1/8" by 3/4" by 1/2" tall oval and 1" by 5/8" high round one at the smallest.

The square one has a lined base, engine turned top, is marked "925" and "FS" in a circle, and weighs 26 grams (just over .8 T. oz.). The next largest is rectangular with rounded corners, plain-surfaced, marked with the Blackinton emblem, and weighs 16 grams (approximately .5 T. oz.).

The small oval has... Click for details

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2314   $65.00

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with bird, flowers, foliage; a beaded band above and below, diameter 2 1/4; height 1 1/2 inches, weight 1.5 Troy ounces, .800 standard, no monogram, marked as shown in fourth enlargement.

Some twit put a drop of silver-test acid right inside the cartouche and left a slight stain, but aside from this the condition is exemplary.

Old Friends  
3436f   $135.00

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As is so much the mark of George Shiebler's work, this late 19th century, 5 1/2" long, button hook reflects imaginative and innovative design characteristics.

The handle, about half the overall length, is sterling silver, so marked, along with Shiebler's "winged S" emblem and the model number "5264," while the lower portion with the actual "hook" that defines the piece, is plated steel.

The silver portion is comprised of a central rod wrapped by two strands of heavy wire that encircle... Click for details