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 simplicity of the flat handle of this ladle is balanced by the curvacious four-lobed bowl. A stock of flowers is lightly engraved on the handle which is outlined with a thread. The underside is completely plain...

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...

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...

Engraving on Philadelphia silver is first-rate, and this spoon is no exception. The handle uses an engine-turned field enclosed by threads to set off a shield with 'Heritage' engraved in lovely period script. The bowl of the spoon is fluted with a dart and egg edge. James Watts, whose mark together with the word 'coin' appears on the undecorated reverse of the handle, was both a maker and a retailer, ca. 1840-1880, and I would guess that this spoon was probably made ca. 1860. It is 8.7 in...

Hanau, Germany, was a center for silversmiths from the mid-19th century to the first decades of the 20th century, and whose major works involved copying or recreating antique styles in flatware and holloware. Its special status allowed it to be free of the marking system that was incumbent on all other German cities, and many are not completely known today...

'Plymouth' was introduced in 1911, at the time when tastes were turning from ornamental styles to Colonial Revival; it was a very popular pattern. Multiple threads outline the handle which terminates with a boss. The fork is in excellent condition – hardly, if ever – used, with no monogram or removal. It is 6-3/16 in. and weighs 32 g. It has the Gorham mark and 'sterling' on the reverse.

Most pieces in this pattern, introduced ca. 1870, are unmarked as to maker, and this is no exception. Because, however, I have seen pieces with Whiting's mark, I will make that tentative attribution. The stylized leaves and berries are arranged on a textured ground and encased by a defining geometric edge. The blade is engraved with leaves inside a zig-zag outline. It is single-die cut. The condition is fine, with no bends or burrs, and only age-expected wear to the engraving...

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...

Condition of this 150-year old salt spoon is very good. The threaded handle is double struck and encloses a honeysuckle vine which forms a cartouche on both sides. There is a monogram in script, Kettell, in the cartouche on the top of the handle. Even the bowl is free of salt damage. The length is 3-11/16 in. and it weighs 10g. Westervelt's mark is on the back of the handle.

“Oval Thread” was very popular during the coin period. At that time, knives were not made to match the pattern but were purchased separately, and this one went with many patterns. The picture shows 6 knives, but only 5 of them are coin – the 6th is plated and is included at no charge as a “completer.” The knives have no structural problems – no bends or burrs or pitting...