This lovely Whiting sterling pattern has only recently been identified as “La France,'' having previously been known as “Roses and Scroll” or whatever the viewer might choose. It doesn't seem to have been a full line pattern, but one that people are often drawn to. The handle shows a softening of the pattern and is punctuated by a shallow N monogram. The pointed bowl has light but even remnants of gold wash with a small and very shallow dent that is mentioned for clarity...

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...

In addition to generations of households, Ercuis his been a well-known and highly respected French manufacturer that has supplied cutlery since the 1860s to embassies and hotels throughout the world. The 12 pieces probably date from the second half of the 20th century, but have been relatively unused. A classic style, the hollow handles of both knives and forks are securely attached to the blades...

This simple and beautiful coin silver serving spoon from a fine old Boston maker is in wonderful condition – an Oval Thread handle balanced by an elegant teardrop bowl, with almost no scratches at all – clearly well cared for in its 150 years – no dings, dents, or bends to be seen or felt. The front of the handle is engraved with the name Abbott in Gothic lettering, and it's 8-5/8 in. long. Weight is 66 grams.

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.

'Louis XIV' (patented in 1870) was one of the many innovative patterns introduced by Gorham following the coin period, this one using suggestions of classical elements – column, arches, volutes, dart-and-egg in a new way, with a very pleasing result. The spoon is in excellent condition – no bends, dents, pits or burrs – only superficial scratches expected with age. It is 8.75 in., 54 g., and has a lovely script monogram CEL on the reverse.

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...

It's hard to say who actually made these spoons – they are unsigned, but marked simply “COIN 3,” and an (unknown) retailer G. Cram – but the habits of both William B. Durgin and Knowles & Ladd which sometimes included that practice, i.e., silver content and a numeral, could argue for either, and their uncommon design would seem to reinforce that assumption. The handles are straight-edged and terminate in 5 lobes...

Whiting's “Alhambra,” which was introduced in 1880 during a decade full of patterns with exotic references to places and cultures that defined the Romantic period. The handle is a fluted column topped by a geometric form filled with threaded tendrils on a textured background and a central cartouche which contains a script monogram H. The bowl is an elongated shell form with alternating rounded and pointed edges...

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...

Improvements in the silver manufacturing process by 1870 made possible new design implementations, and Gorham probably led the field with a spate of innovative patterns, among them “Lily” (1870). It is also known as “No. 88.” The delicacy of the single die is representative of what was now possible. The youth knife and spoon were well cared for...

Long admired for innovative design, Denmark's silver makers have produced admirable silver, often associated with abstract organic interpretations. This serving fork is such a piece. The two tines and lower handle are flat and mirror-like but terminate in an abbreviated openwork of reeds and berries enclosed in a frame of blossoms. Three irregular lines suggesting water separate the two areas and provide an interesting contrast in the single-die construction. The length is 8-5/16 in...