“Beaded” became a “standard pattern” – that is, there were many makers and versions from ca. 1850 through the coin period. Philadelphia's is distinguished by the inclusion of a fleur de lys at the top and bottom of the handle. This group bears the mark of Philadelphia retailer C. Bard & Son. There is wear to the pattern, more on the forks than the spoons (see enlargements; the first 2 pics are the forks, the next 3 the spoons)...

The Japanese influences of the 1870s and 1880s came to silver in many forms. The bright-cut designs of the period utilized such elements as flowers, leaves, birds, and branches found in Japanese textiles, but as in 'Chrysanthemum' (introduced 1885), their asymmetrical dispositions were constrained by the Old English forms into which they were cut. Acid etching is the background of the handles into which the flowers are incised and emphasizes the flowers, branches and leaves...

A classic mid-19th century pattern of the coin period, 'Oval Thread' appears with marks by most makers and retailers. The blades are even, without waviness, bites or burrs; the handles are firm, with no splits. There is no pitting. Wear is commensurate with their 150+ years, and have been well cared for. An anchor, Victorian head, and lion are stamped on the blades, indicating a New York maker. The name Phelps is lightly engraved on the handles in period script...

Beautiful stuffing or basting spoon in the “Louis XIV” pattern first patented in 1847 by John Chandler Moore. It was variously produced by John Polhemus (Polhamus) and Henry Hebbard, all of whom sold through Tiffany prior to Tiffany's own silver production. This must have been an early example because it's not marked “sterling” as most other pieces made for Tiffany were; rather, it is coin. There is a monogram WCA...

This boxed set contains 12 knives (7 in.) and 12 forks (6 in.) in a Chippendale pattern manufactured by Lutz & Weiss of Pforzheim, Germany, introduced sometime in the early 1900s. They are marked with Lutz & Weiss's mark, 800, and the Imperial half-moon and crown. These can be used for fruit, cocktails, cheese, pastry, or many other things. The fitted paper-covered box (which has damage about 2 in. x ¾ in...

“Nordic” in this case could be Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Lapland and Norway) or northern Germany (which belonged to Denmark at times) or even the Baltic region – the marks are not consistent with official markings of the time and would point to a region more isolated from a guardein, or silver warden...

The 6 spoons (8.1 inches) are in one of the most traditional patterns of theWestern world, originating in Germany in the late 18th century: the “Fiddle Thread” or “Fadenmuster”. They are 800 fine, or 80% pure, silver. Peter Bruckmann & Sons was located in Heilbronn, Germany, from 1805 until 1973 and enjoyed prestige as one of Germany's finest makers...

Ercuis is a prestigious maker of French silverplate, established in the 1860s. 'Lauriers' is an elegant pattern reminiscent of the French Empire style. A thread outlines the handle, and an oval medallion space is created by acanthus leaves punctuating the top, with delicate branches of laurel/bay leaves and berries closing off that space. The pieces are double-struck, and a beautiful MG monogram is placed in the medallion of the reverse side...

The mark on the spoons is that of Bigelow, Kennard & Co., 925, and probably date from the last quarter of the 19th Century. The form of the handle is Old English, the bowls have the slightly narrower and elongated oval shape associated with early Georgian silver – and would go very well with flatware of that period. They are 5-5/8 in. long and weigh 258 g. A feathery script F is monogrammed to the front of the handle. There are no distractions of any kind...

The Classical elements of Gorham's Pompeii pattern – volutes, acanthus, anthemion – are as crisp as when they were new, with no heel, knife, or stacking scratches. Amazing that these four dinner-size (7.5 inch) forks could have survived over 150 years with no monogram! They were likely made in the year the pattern was introduced (1868) because they are coin (Gorham phased out coin silver in 1868) and they have 'Patent Applied For' which assures an early production. Weight is 212 grams.

Hindostanee, introduced in 1878, epitomized the Romantic movement – the pursuit of the exotic in places such as the Ancient Near East, North Africa, and India. Gorham's interpretation invoked the curving lines and patterns associated with the Indian designs found in woodworking, tile, textiles and metals...

The “Dognose” pattern was made in England ca. 1695-1715 during the period when the Britannia, or 95.84%, purity standard was used (1697-1720), and serving as a style that transitions from the trefid to Hanoverian; it was seldom seen after 1720. Typical of the Queen Anne style, the handle of this spoon has an upturned terminal which is characterized by a “wavy end” resembling a dog's nose when viewed from above. Attachment to the oval bowl is by a reeded rattail which has softened t...