Old Friends  
3655f   $165.00

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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.," the date "1892," "New York," and "Sterling." To be sure, they do have darkened... 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.

Old Friends  
3573f   $58.00

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This item was made by the Watson Company, whose "crown, W, lion" emblem is imprinted on the edge of the piece, along with the words "Sterling Silver" and model number "W16."

It is a double shot jigger comprised of two similarly shaped cups joined by a center bar. It stands 3 1/2" tall and weighs nearly 2.4 T. oz. One cup measures 1 7/8" across and is marked "2 oz." and the other is 1 5/8" in diameter and reads "1 oz."

The "2 oz." one is also engraved "X.H.P" on its side in Arts & Crafts... Click for details

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2338   $650.00

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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   $165.00

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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

Old Friends  
3421f   $42.00

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This style of tea strainer is designed to hang from the spout of a tea pot.

The body is a basket, in this instance 2 1/4" in diameter and 1" deep, with a bail handle that is attached to a double wire prong that is held in the spout by tension. The total weight is nearly .5 T. oz.

This circa 1900 example made by Blackinton is model number "64" as stamped on the underside, along with the company sword emblem, and the word "Sterling."

The basket has a scalloped edge that is imprinted... Click for details

Old Friends  
3349f   $68.00

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Measuring 1 3/4" in diameter and 1 3/8" across, and weighing approximately 1.0 T. oz., this is a moderate sized napkin ring.

It was made by Gorham, whose "lion, anchor, G" emblem, the word "Sterling," and model number "B2306" are imprinted on the inner wall.

It is engraved "Betty" flanked by "four years old . . . April 3 1904.," which date is consistent with the low tone Art Nouveau style of the piece.

The undulating edges have applied, acanthus leaf pattern rims, while the body has... Click for details

Cliff Nunn - Antique Silver and Decorative Arts  
20171221-02   $45.00

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Offered is a nice Scottish provincial silver spoon by jeweler and silversmith John Pringle, working in Perth circa 1823-60. This piece probably dates to the earlier part of Pringle's career. It is engraved with a period Scottish-style script monogram of JF or IF, and bear's Pringle's maker's mark, struck twice and accompanied by two strikes of a Perth eagle pseudo-hallmark. Please take a look at all the photos. This piece measures about 5 7/16 inches in length and weighs about 14 grams. ... Click for details

Bruce Cherner Antique Silver  
2290   Sold

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each acid etched with "Jan. 14th 1891" one with the initials "LB" and the other "DB" in fanciful foliate script, height 1 3/8; diameter 1 7/8 inches, total Troy weight 2.58 ounces, excellent condition.

We've made a brief attempt to find a pair of socialites who were married that Winter Wednesday and come up empty handed, but you dear reader may have the pleasure of continuing this search, once these are safely in your collection.

Please note that our price is for the pair (!).